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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


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littp://www.arcli  ive.org/details/americaninstructOObent 


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THE 

CALCULATED    TO    SUCCEED    THE 

E  NGLISH,  AND  OTHER  SPELLING-BOOKS  .•     . 


CONTAINING 


A  SELECTION 

OF  THE    PRINCIPAL    PART   OF    THE    W»RDS    IN   COMMON  USl, 
DIVIDED,  ACCENTED,  DEFINED, 

AND  THEIR  PRONUNCIATION  ACCURATELT  POINTED  OXH. 

Adapted  to  the  Orthography  atUi  Pronunciation  of  Walker. 

INTERSPERSED 

WITH  INSTRUCTIVE  AND  ENTERTAINING , 

TO    WHICH 

IS  ADDED  A  COMPREHENSIVE  A^BRIDGMENT  OF 

SNGUSH  GRAMBIAR. 

BY  RENSSELAER  BENTLEY, 

Author   of  the   English   Spelling   Book. 

•  With  boys,  those  things  which  tend  most  to  nourish  the  genius,  aod 
to  enlarge  the  mind,  are  proper  to  be  read."  Quintilliait. 

— Q<*©~ 
Stereotyped  by  A.  W.  Kinsley,  Albany. 


^^"litS.^"^^ -SmS^^^^  that  <,n  the  eighth  day  of  October 
w\uz£«^.  ^  j-j  1824,  in  the  forty-ninth  year  of  the  Independence 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  Rensselaer  Bentlby 
of  the  said  District,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title 
of  a  book  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  author  and  pro- 
-'fR"--  prietor  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  ^  ^  ^.  ^  , 
"The  American  Instructer;  calculated  to  succeed  the  Enghsh  and 
other  Spelling-books  ;  containing  a  selection  of  the  principal  part  of 
the  words  in  fommon  use,  divided,  accented,  defined  and  the.r  pronun- 
ciation accurately  pointed  out.  Adapted  to  the  orthography  and  pro- 
nundation  of  Walker.  Interspersed  with  instructive  and  entertaining 
Reading  Lessons  :  to  which  is  added  a  comprehensive  abndgmen  of 
Endish  Grammar.  By  Rensselaer  Bentlev,  author  of  the  English 
Soel  ine-Book.  "  With  boys,  those  things  which  tend  most  to  nourish 
5fe  genfus,  and  to  enlarge  the  mind,  are  proper  to  be  read."     Quin- 

'"'in'conformity  to  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled 
*'  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of 
MaSs  Charts,  and  Books!  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies 
dur&Vhe  time  therein  mentioned."  And  also  to  an  act,  entitled  "An 
act  suVplementary  to  an  act,  entitled  an  act  for  the  encouragement  of 
iearmng  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the 
authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  durmg  the  time  therein  men 
tloned  aXxtending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  en 
graving,  andetching  historical  and  otlier  prints.    ^^^^^  ^^^^^ 

Clerk  of  the  Southern  District  of  New- York 
— Q®©— 

To  all  persons  to  loliom  these  -presents  shall  come,  Greeting  : 
r  rFRTlFY  that  Rensselaek  Bentley  has,  this  third  day  of  .!a- 
nuarv  in  the  vear  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  an«>  twen- 
?v  five  and  of  Independence  the  forty-ninth,  deposited  in  the  Office  o. 
the  Department  of  ^tate.  a  certain  Book  consistmg  of  238  pages,  en- 

^'^'n^ie  American  Instructer;  calculated  to  succeed  the  English  and 
other  Spelh'g-books;  containing  a  selection  of  the  Pr'n^'Pf  R^/' .^' 
the  words  in  common  use,  divided,  accented,  define<l,  and  their  pio 
nunda  ion  accurately  pointed  out.  Adapted  to  the  orthography  and 
nronuSion  of  Walker.  Interspersed  with  instructive  and  entei- 
FaSRead  ng  Lessons:  to  which  is  added  a  comprehensive  abndg- 
taming  neau   IK  g     Renssfi.aek  Bentiev,  author  of  the 

SnSish  IneK-Book       • -w!;^  hoys,  those  things  which  tend  most  to 
Sish  th';  genius' and  to  enlarge'  the  mind,  are  proper  to  be  read. 

^Thrcony-1-ight  whereof  is  claimed  by  ^^^-^.^^f^J'^' ''\^^''7,^\:,f,'r/ 
..S'^.;^^oj|.o,^ndertl.,..^ 

|ir,1ole  a^hol^'knd^Topriet^rs  of  su^h  copie.,  ch.ring  the  time 

iiiiliiiM 

designing,  engraving,  and  etching,  historical  and  other  prints,    passed 
on  ti:  29th  of  April  1B02. 

GIVEN  under  mv  hand,  as  the  Serretary  of  the  I'^'P'^;*- 

1   mentof  State  of  the  United  State*,  w.tl,  the  Sen    ot  the 

^       J  Tah"  Department  affixe<l.  at  the  Oty  of  W  ashmgton,  the 

'^m  '"^y  ^«^^«'"  fi"^^'*'^'^  J0H:^■QU1^-CY  ADAMS. 


TLBCOMmEimATlOKS. 

Tht  foilowing  is  from  John  Van  Ness  Yates,  Secretary  of  State,  and  acting 
Supeiintendunt  of  Common  Schools. 

Albany,  Nov.  10,  1824. 
I  have  examined  with  attention  a  work  presented  to  me  by  Mr.  Benfi- 
selaer  Bentley^  entitled,  "  Xhe  American  Instructer" — The  plan  is  well 
calculated  to  impress  upon  tli<  youthful  learner,  not  only  the  mode  o£ 
spelling  and  pi'onouming  words,  but  also  the  meaning  of  them — I  con- 
Bider  the  Author  entitled  to  praise,  and  that  the  work  deserves  patroa- 
are  andsunnort,  and  will  be  useful  as  a  school-book, 
age  ^v^x^  vv      ,  j  y  pj  YATES    ; 

Tht  folleiving  is  from  the  Hon.  De  Witt  Clinton. 

After  examining  "  The  American  Instructer"  written  by  Rensselaer 
Bentley,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  stating  that  the  plan  of  this  work  is  ju« 
dicious,  and  its  execution  able :  and,  as  it  comprises  in  a  short  com- 
pass, a  Reading-  book,  a  Grammar,  and  a  Dictionary  of  the  words 
commonly  used  in  our  language,  I  am  of  opinion  that  it  is  well  calcu* 
Jated  to  promote  the  objects  of  rudimental  education,  and  that  its  in* 
#rndnction  into  our  common  schools,  would  be  attended  with  greaC; 
Utility  DE  WITT  CLINTON 

Albany,  November  10,  1824. 

The  following  is  anextract  of  a  letter  f-om  Dr.  Samtel  L.  Mitchdl. .. 

New-York,  22d.  March,  \S'25. 
I  agree  with  the  author  entirely  in  the  usefulness  of  a  treatise  which 
snail  succeed  the  spelling-book  and  precede  the  dictionary  ;  which 
shall  give  the  meaning  as  well  as  the  pronunciation  of  the  words  ia 
common  use  ;  and  which  through  a  series  of  well  selected  lessons  ia 
reading,  shall  introduce  the  learner  to  a  knowledge  of  grammar.  It 
appears  to  me  he  has  happily  and  judiciously  executed  his  plan,  and 
that  his  performance  is  capable  of  affording  substantial  aid  to  the  bu« 
siness  of  elementary  instruction. 

SAMUEL  L.   MITCHELL. 


\  The  follmnng  is  from  T.  Romeyn  Beck,  Principal  of  Albany  Academy. 

I  consider  the  plan  of  Mr.  Bentley 's  book  as  very  excellent,  and  have 
so  doubt  that  its  introduction  into  common  schools  will  prove  useful.^ 
Albany,  Nov.  10,   1824.  T.  ROMEYN  BECK- 

The  following  is  from  Henry  K.  Strong,  principal  of  Pittsfeld  Academy, 

Pittsfeld,  March  11,  1825. 

After  having  examined  Mr.  Bentley's  American  Instructer  presented 
to  me,  I  cannot  hesitate  to  give  my  unqualified  approbation  to  a  work 
so  well  calculated  to  succeed  the  spelling-book.  Too  long  his  the 
memory  of  children  been  called  into  exercise,  while  the  understandings 
has  been  neglected,  and  thereby  habits  of  inattention  have  been  form- 
ed as  barriers  to  future  improvement.  The  Instructer  is  calculated 
to  obviate  this  by  aiding  the  understanding  as  well  as  memory.  I 
■hall  therefore  give  it  my  recommendation. 

HENRY  K.  STRONG,  ^ 


If  RECOMMENDATIONS.  / 

'  Thtfolloviing  is  from  I.  S.  Spencer,  Principal  of  Schenectady  Atadtmy. 
Dbak  Sir, 

I  have  examined  the  American  Instructed-,  and  I  think  it  is  the  beil 
work  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  to  succeed  <he  spelling  books  in 
common  use.  The  memory  of  children  is  often  called  into  active,  and 
1  may  saj ,  unnecessary  exercise,  while  their  understanding  is  neglect- 
ed. "  The  Instructer"  is  well  calculated  to  aid  young  persons  not  only 
in  learning  to  read,  but  what  is  more  desirable,  to  underttand.  The 
words  in  the  spelling  sections  are  selected  with  judgement,  and  defined 
with  admirable  plainness  and  simplicity.  I  shall  immediately  recom- 
mend this  work  to  the  young  Masters  in  the  English  department  of  this 
institution.  Yours,  &c. 

•     Schenectady  Academy,  Nov.  e,  1824.  I.  5.  SPENCER. 


2%e  following  is  from  Amasa  I.  Parker,  Principal  of  Hudson  Academy. 

Sir — I  have  examined  your  American  Instructer  with  ■Cvhich  you  have 
favoured  me,  and  have  no  hesitation  in  recommending  it  to  the  pub- 
lick  as  a  most  important  elementary  work— the  Reading  Lessons  are 
admirably  selected,  and  the  Spelling  Sections  V'U  arranged.  It  i*  a 
work  which  has  been  long  needed  in  our  common  schools,  and  will 
doubtless  meet  with  universal  patronage.  Yours,  &.c. 

Hudson,  Oct.  30,  1824.  .  AMASA  1.  PARKER. 


The  following  it  from  Edwin   Holmes,  principal  of  Duchess   Academy, 
Poughkeepsie. 

Sir, 

I  have  examined  with  some  attention  the  "  American  Instructer,'" 
and  think  it  well  calculated  for  the  use  of  schools.  The  spelling  col- 
umns are  judiciously  selected,  and  the  words  plainly  defined.  The 
reading  lessons  are  full  of  useful  information  and  virtuous  sentiment, 
and  will  tend,  at  once,  to  enlighten  the  understanding  and  improve 
the  heart.  The  abridgment  of  grammar  is  brief  but  comprehensive. 
Its  language  is  peculiarly  plain  and  simple.  The  plan  of  inserting  fa- 
miliar sentences,  as  exercises  in  parsing,  between  the  several  portions 
ofgrrammar,  is  a  good  one.  Attention  to  these  exercises  will  render 
ODfc  part  of  the  rules  of  Etymology  familiar  to  the  pupil,  before  he  ad- 
'Vances  to  another-  The  fact  that,  we  have  in  so  cheap  a  book,  a 
grammar,  a  dictionary,  a  reading  and  speUing-book,  is  well  worthy 
of  attention.  It  will,  1  doubt  not,  receive  a  large  share  of  publick  pat- 
ronage. 

EDWIN  HOLMES. 

Duchess  Academy,  Poughkeepsie,  Nov.  29th,  1824. 


JT^e  foHouiing  is  from  Ambrose  I..  Jordan,  Esq.   Recorder  of  the  city  of 
Hudson. 

Upon  an  examination'of  the  hook  entitled  "  The  American  Instruc- 
ter by  Mr.  Rensselaer  Bontley,  I  am  fully  persuaded  Vhat  its  gencr.il 
iatroductiou  into  our  common  schools,  would  be  of  essential  benefit  as 
a  convenient  vocabulary, teaching  at  once  the  pronunciation  and  mean- 
ing of  words  in  common  use  in  our  language  ;  as  a  condensed  outline  of ' 
the  English  Grammar  ;  and  as  a  RcatTing  Book  containing  specimens 
of  fine  style,  replete  with  moral  sentiment  ;  it  a{>pears  to  me  entitled 
to  the  attention  and  patronage  of  Aiuericau  Instructers. 

i  *.  L.  JORDAN. 

Hudson    Ao.;.   11,  1824. 


REC03IMENDAT10NS.      -  T 

«     The  following'  is  from  the  Insvectors  of  Schools  in  the  City  of  Hudson 

HiDsoN,  Oct.  28,  1824. 

The  undersigned,  Inspectors  of  Schools  in  the  city. of  Hudson,  have 
examined  the  American  Inslrurler,  published  by  R.  Bentley,  calculated 
to  succeed  the  English  and  other  Spelling  Books,  and  are  unanimous- 
ly of  opinion  that  it  is  a  valuable  School  Book. 

The  Reading  Lessons  have  been  selected  wfth  taste  and  judgement, 
from  the  best  authors  on  almost  every  subject  connected  with  the  hap- 
piness of  man  as  an  individual,  a  member  of  community,  or  a  citizeu 
•fa  free  and  flourishing  country. 

In  favour  of  the  Spelling  Sections  too  much  cannot  be  said.  This 
part  of  the  work  contains  a  selection  of  words  used  in  conversation  and 
writing  with  their  definitions,  adapted  to  ^Valker's  orthography  and 
pronunciation,  having  the  advantages  of  a  Dictionary  witij  none  of  its 
disadvantages,  as  all  obscene  wonis  are  omitted. 

The  Grammar  is  well  calculated  to  facilitate  the.progres*  of  pupils 
in  that  branch  of  education. 

Thus  we  have  an  excellent  Reading  Book,  Dictionary  and  Gram- 
mar in  one  volume,  for  the  trifling  sum  of  fifvy  cents. 

The  undersigned  recommend  the  work  to  Parents  and  instructers, 
trusting  that  all  who  examine  it  attentively,  will  say  withtiiem,  that 
Mr.  Berrtley  has  conferred  a  favour  on  the  publick,  and  that  bis  exer 
Jions  are  entitled  to  patronage. 


i  HIRAM  TAPPIZvi; 
?J.  I.  IWDE 


1st.  AVard.  J.  I.  rNDERillLL, 

(  ARCHIBALD  DOAN. 


t  EDWARD  C.  THURSTON 
;.JOH.\  G 


2d.  Ward.  ^.JOH.\  GAUL. 

(  MCHOLAS  TE>'  BROECK, 

The  following  is  from,  the  Trcv  Sentinel,  edilcd  by  O.  L.  Holley,  Esq. 

One  of  the  best  devised  school  books  that  we  liave  lately  seen,  is  the 
"  American  Instructer."  The  idea  of  arranging  ttje  rudiment,  of  the 
teveiftl  branches  of  knowledge  necessary  to  a  correct  and  scientifick 
understanding  of  the  English  Language,' in  one  volume,  and  in  their 
natural  order,  is  a  good  one.  A  manual  formed  on  this  }>lan  must  be 
not  only  p;  ticularly  convenient  to  the  teacher,  but  seems  peculiar- 
ly well  calculated  to  facilitiite  to  the  pupil  the  acquisition  of  his  rudi- 
ments, because  it  enables  him,  by  the  .mpre  force  of  juxtaposition,  to 
discern  their  mutual  connexion  more  readily  than  if  they  were  dispers  ■. 
ed  in  diflerent  volumes. 

This  principle  of  juxtaposition  is  very  simple,  but  it  is  very  im.por 
tant ;  and  in  (he  business  of  education  it  has  been  too  little  regarded, 
Mr.  Bentley  has  avai'led  himself  of  it  judiciously .  He  has  arranged 
the  different  portions  of  his  work  in  a  discreet  order  ;  the  pupil  ad- 
vances by  mitural  and  easy  degrees;  and  being  under  the  necessity 
of  frequently  referring  from  one  part  toanolher,  as  he  advances  he 
discovers  the  reciprocal  dependence  of  those  parts  more  and  more 
clearly,  till  the  whole  system  is  distinctly  revealed. 

On  the  score  of  economy,  too,  "The  American  Instructer,"  deserves 
consideration  ;  and  for  that  reason,  as  well  as  for  tiie  sake  of  its  in- 
trinsick  merits,  we  feel  warranted  in  reconunendLng  it  to  use  in  <jur 
<;ountrv  schools. 


The  following  is  from  Solomoii  SoitUnvic/.',  etlilor  of  the  National  Dempcrat. 

Mr.  Bentley's  American  Instructer  having  been  submitted  to  my  ex.. 
amination,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  j)ronoiuice  it  one  of  the  most  usefijt 
works  of  the  kind,  and  highlv  deserving  the  pationage  of  all  who  ape 
either  engaged  or  interested  Tn  the  education  of  youth.  » 

4lbanij,  Nov.  10,  1824.  •       S.  SOUX{i\VIQg.  '; 


VI  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

Tht following  Recommendations,  are  from  gentlemen,  wnose  regnuation  a* 
jntblick  Teachers  in  the  cities  of  Albariy  and  Troy,  is  of  the  first  standing. 

Albany,  Fib.  19,  1825. 
We  who  are  engaged  in  the  instruction  of  vouth  in  the  city  of  Alba- 
ny, having  attentively  examined  the  American  lustructer,  recently 
published  by  Mr.  Rensselaer  Benlley,  are  fully  convinced  of  the  ju- 
dicious selections,  able  xecuijon,  and  economical  arrangement  of  the 
work,  and  do  highly  recommend  the  introduction  of  it  in  our  element- 
ary icbools,  as  it  obviates  the  necessity  of  a  cumbersome  multiplicity 
of  books  by  combining  in  one  volume,  the  spelling  and  defining  of 
words,  instructive  and  practical  reading  exercises,  with  a  comprehen- 
five  and  explicit  grammar  of  etymology  and  syntax. 
ISAAC  MOTT,  J.  R.  KIRBY, 

JO&EPH  P.  MOTT,  R.  O.  K.  RENNET, 

J.  H.  DURHAM,  BENJN.  CAMPBELL, 

STEPHEN  MOULTON,  JAMES  M.  COLLINS, 

JAMES  P    POWERS,  E.  P   PHELPS, 

P.  E.  PHELPS,  JOSHUA  BROOKS, 

ASAPH  SYKES,  j    alDEN       \   Teacher  iu 

'      I   Grecnbush. . 


Troy,  Feb.  llth,  1826. 
Mb.  Bbmtlev, 
Sir — We  have  carefully  examined  the  copies  of  the  "  American 
Instructer"  lately  left  in  our  hands. and  we,  as  (liose  who  are  engaj'ed 
in  the  business  of  instruction,  are  fully  persuaded  that  it  possesses 
merits,  highly  recommending  it  as  a  most  impoi  tant  elementary  work. 
We  find  that  we  can  profitably  use  it  as  a  reading  book,  a  Dictionary, 
and  a  Grammar  book  ;  and  by  introducing  it  into  our  schools,  our 
ihelves  will  be  unloaded  of  two-thirds  of  their  burden,  which  is  now 
only  cumbersome  and  expensive.  We  view  it  as  replete  with  moral 
and  useful  instruction,  and  every  way  calculated  to  promote  the  best 
interests  of  the  rising  generation  :  as  such  we  beJieve  it  strongly  re- 
commends itself  to  the  publick,  and  hope  it  wdl,  in  time,  find  its  way 
into  all  our  common  schools. 

EDWARD  WILSON, 
Teacher  of  the  lAincasttrian  School,  Trcn/. 
DAVID  BROWN, 
EBENR.  NILES, 
JAS.  B.  HOUGHTALING, 
ALANSON   BILLS, 
JONAS  WICKES, 
JOSEPH  G.  ROGERS. 


Tht  following  iifrom  Thomas  M-  Brewer,    Teacher  of  the  Lancasterian 
School,  Poughlceepsie. 

Poughkeepsie,  Nov.  29,  1834. 
I  have  examined  with  much  interest  and  pleasure  The  American  In- 
structer. The  plan  of  the  book  is  a  well  conceived  one,  and  the  ex- 
ecution is  happy.  The  spellings  with  the  definitions  are  well  arrang- 
ed^ the  definitions  are  concise  and  clear.  The  reading  lessons  arc 
excellent;  combining  the  purest  moral  and  religious  instructions,  with 
attractive  entertainment.  Of  the  grammatical  part  I  can  only  say, 
the  plan  is  good,  but  the  execution  I  have  not  had  time  to  examine 
The  book  I  shall  immediatelv  adoDt  into  my  school,  as  far  as  practica  • 
We.  '  THOMAS  M   BREWFii.    '^ 


SOME  DIRECTIONS 
FOR  USING  THE  FOLLOWING  WORK. 

The  pupil,  in  the  first  place,  should  be  made  acquainted 
with  the  key  to  the  pronunciation  of  the  words  in  the  spel- 
ling sections ;  likewise  with  the  rules  and  observations  for 
assisting  scholars  to  read  with  propriety.  He  should  then 
proceed  in  spelling  or  pronouncing  the  words,  and  reading 
their  definition,  together  with  the  reading  sections,  as  they 
are  arranged. 

The  Teacher  should  frequently  exercise  his  pupils  in  ^v- 
ing  the  definition  of  words ;  allowing  them  time  to  study  the 
lesson,  after  which  he  should  put  out  the  Avords,  and  they 
should  spell  them  and  give  their  definition.  By  exercising 
them  in  this  manner,  they  will  soon  become  acquainted  with 
the  meaning  of  the  principal  part  of  the  words~  they  are  to 
make  use  of  through  life. 

After  the  pupil  has  sufficiently  studied  this  part  of  the 
work,  it  will  be  necessary  for  him  to  commence  the  study 
of  grammar,  which  next  occurs.  While  pursuing  the  study 
of  grammar,  this  book  will  serve  him  instead  of  a  dictionary, 
to  ascertain  the  different  parts  of  speech,  and  the  definition 
of  words ;  as  about  all  the  words  made  use  of  in  common 
writing  are  inserted  in  it.  Thus,  the  present  work  will 
serve  as  a  reading  hook,  and  a  grammar,  and  instead  of  a 
dictionary. 


The  education  of  youth  is  the  source  from  which  every 
community  receives,  in  a  great  measure,  its  social  organiza- 
tion :  it  is  the  principal  object  which  promotes  the  happi- 
ness and  prosperity  of  every  nation  :  therefore,  every  attempt 
to  assist  the  rising  generation  in  the  acquisition  of  useful 
knowledge,  may  be  considered  a  laudable  undertaking. — 
How  far  I  have  succeeded  in  the  attempt,  remains  for  a  ju- 
dicious publick  to  determine. 

Although  there  are  many  valuable  school  books  already 
in  use,  designed  to  initiate  children  into  the  first  principles 
of  our  language  ;  yet,  from  experience  in  teaching,  I  am  sen- 
sible of  the  great  utility  that  would  arise  from  our  youth's 
being  early  instructed  in  the  definition  of  words,  as  well  as 
in  their  right  pronunciation.  Therefore,  the  design  of  the 
present  work  is,  to  furnish  schools  with  a  book  calculated  to 
succeed  the  Spelling  Books  ;  composed  of  a  selection  of  the 
principal  part  of  the  words  made  use  of  in  common  conver- 
sation and  writing,  with  their  pronunciation  accurately 
pointed  out,  the  part  of  speech  annexed,  and  the  definition 
given  in  plain,  simple  terms  :  interspersed  with  a  variety  of 
appropriate  reading  lessons,  adapted  to  the  capacity  of  youth; 
to  which  is  added  an  abridgment  of  English  Grammar. 

It  is  absolutely  necessary  ^hat  children  should  early  be- 
come acquainted  with  the  definition  of  those  words  which 
they  are  to  make  use  of  through  life  ;  and  as  no  means  have 
been  devised  for  the  attainment  of  this  most  necessary 
branch  of  instruction,  except  the  columns  of  a  Dictionary, 
an  attempt  has  been  made  to  obviate  this  great  difficulty, 
and  to  fill  up  the  hiatus  between  the  Spelling  Book  and  the 
Dictionary.  Objections  are  frequently  made  by  parents  and 
guardians,  against  purchasing  Dictionaries  for  their  children  ; 
arising  from  their  price,  and  from  their  containing  many 
immodest  and  obscene  words,  which  are  apt  to  taint  the 
minds  of  youth. 

Many  of  our  school-boys  that  pass  for  good  readers,  know 
kut  little  about  the  meaning  of  the  words  they  make  use  of 


Vm  PREFACE. 

or  the  se^ise  of  the  writer.  Children  labour  under  a  great 
disadvnntage  while  pursuing  the  common  course  of  study; 
in  which  theyoften  form  very  erroneous  ideas  of  the  defini- 
tion of  many  words,  by  not  h;iving  a  suitable  book  to  refer 
to;  and  when  once  they  have  formed  a  wrong  idea  of  words, 
it  is  difficult  to  make  them  sensible  of  their  errour.  I  hope 
that  Parents  and  Instructers  will  consider  this  subject  well, 
and  decide  whether  it  would  not  be  better  for  the  scholar  to 
become  acquainted  with  those  words  which  are  mostly  used, 
as  soon  as  he  shall  be  able  to  comprehend  their  meaning. 
While  he  is  engaged  in  studying  the  definition  of  words,  he 
is  at  the  same  time  improving  himself  in  reading,  which  rea- 
ders the  study  more  important,  as  he  is  receiving  informal 
tion  in  two  different  ways  at  the  same  time. 

All  that  is  generally  thought  necessai-y  to  bo  comprehen- 
ded in  teaching  children  to  read,  is,  a  correct  pronunciation 
of  the  words  made  use  of  in  reading,  with  due  attention  to 
emphasis  and  cadence,  together  with  suitable  modulations 
of  the  voice.  But  the  faculties  of  speech,  with  the  finest  mod- 
ulations of  the  voice,  are  of  but  little  use  without  understand- 
ing. It  is  of  great  importance  in  tracking  children  to  read, 
to  teach  them  to  understand  what  tiny  read:  and  in  order 
to  understand  what  they  read,  tlicy  must  become  acquaint- 
ed with  the  definition  of  the  words  they  make  use  of  in  read- 
ing. In  consequence  of  their  not  umlerstanding  tlie  d<'(ini- 
tion  of  .words,  tlieir  books  become  a  task  to  them;  they  con- 
tract a  dislike  to  reading;  and  deriving  neither  information 
nor  satisfaction  from  their  books,  they  fall  into  habits  of 
carelessness  and  inattention,  which  perhaps  tliey  may  never 
have  the  fortitude  to  overcoit!ffe  through  life.  JJut  if  their 
minds  arc  pxciled  to  inquiries  after  tlie  meaning  of  words,  to 
the  exercises  of  reflection,  to  the  fixing  of  the  attention,  and 
to  the  cultivation  of  the  mt.oiory,  they  will  arrive  to  an  un- 
derstanding of  many  ideas  of  the  writer,  which  otherwise 
would  have  been  wholly  lost  to  them.  These  impressions 
once  made  ujion  the  tender  mind,  will  be  durable  ;  they  will 
grow  with  their  growtli,  and  increase  witli  their  years. 

Particulm-  care  has  been  taken  to  sc^lect  such  pieces  Wn 
readintr,  as  are  adapted  to  the  underslaiuling,  and  pleasing 
to  llu>  taste  of  youth;  and  at  the  same  time  calculated  to  in- 
stil into  their  tendfr  minds,  moral  anfl  virtuous  sentiments. 
Nothing  has  been  intentionally  admitted,  but  what  was 
thought  cou'jjstent  with  tlie  purity  of  morality  and  rcligioi\, 


PREFA'CE.  IX 

and  calculated  to  impress  upon  the  juvenHe  mind,  the  love 
of  piety  and  virtue,  and  to  form  a  taste  for  reading. 

The  great  importance  of  early  instructing  youth  in  the 
principles  on  which  our  language  is  constructed,  has  been  an 
inducement  to  add  to  the  present  work  an  abridgment  of 
English  Grammar.  Our  Grammars,  in  general,  are  so  vo- 
luminous, so  much  is  offered  at  the  first  view,  that  it  often 
clogs  the  mind  of  the  young  pupil ;  and  instead  of  becoming 
a  pleasing  and  interesting  study,  it  often  becomes  a  dry  and 
disagreeable  one.  Grammar  is  generally  considered  as  a 
laborious  and  irksome  task ;  children  frequently  labour  year 
after  year  without  making  much  progress ;  while  the  whole 
blame  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  unskilful  method  of  instruc- 
tion. Yet,  by  taking  it  up  in  a  natural  and  simple  manner, 
and  gradually  developing  its  diffiaJties  and  intricacies,  it 
may  be  so  arranged,  as  to  become  a  pleasing  study.  The 
present  work  is  stripped  of  every  thing  but  what  is  consider- 
ed essential ;  the  definitions  of  the  different  parts  of  speech 
are  interspersed  with  easy  parsing  lessons,  with  the  applica- 
tion of  the  rules  of  Syntax,  which  renders  the  study  at  once 
easy  and  inviting.  It  contains  matter  sufficient  to  give  the 
pupil  a  good  knowledge  of  Etymology  and  Syntax ;  and  the 
arrangement,  explanations,  and  specimens  of  parsing,  are 
such  as  will,  with  a  little  application,  enable  him  to  parse 
the  English  Language  with  accuracy. 

Having  illustrated  the  views  which  enticed  me  to  the 
present  undertaking,  I  cheerfully  submit  the  following  work 
to  the  candour  and  discernment  of  an  enlightened  commu- 
nity, if,  upon  examination,  it  should  be  found  to  contai« 
any  improvements  by  which  the  understanding  and  faculties 
of  youth  may  be  more  effectually  called  forth  into  operation, 
my  utmost  wish  will  be  gratified,  R.  B, 


DIRECTIONS 

FOR  THE  PRONUNCIATION  OF   WORDS    IN    THE    SPELLING    SEC- 
TIONS OF  THE  FOLLOWING    WORK. 

A  TABLS 

Representing  the  different  sounds  of  the  simple  and  diphthong- 
al vowels  referred  to  by  the  figures  in  the  following  work. 

Figure  1  represents 
1         1 
the  long  sound  of  a^  as  in  late,  ta-per  ; 

1        1 
the  long  sound  of  e  or  ee,  as  in  me,  meet ; 

1  1 

the  long  sound  of  i,  as  in  bile,  bi-ble  ; 

the  long  sound  of  o  or  oo,  as  in  dote,  door ; 

1  1 

the  long  sound  of  u  or  czr,  as  in  mute,  mewl; 

1  1 

the  long  sound  of  ?/,  as  in  style,  ty-rant. 

Figure  2  represents 

2  2 

the  short  sound  of  a,  as  in  mat,  mar-ry  ; 

2  2 

the  short  sound  of  e,  as  in  bet,  bet-ter ; 

2        2 

the  short  sound  of  i.  as  in  pin,  tit-tie  ; 

2         2 

the  short  sound  of  m,  as  in  cup,  but-4er ; 

2         2 
the  short  sound  of  y,  as  in  hymn,  sys-tem. 

Figure  3  represents 

3        3 
the  long  sound  of  broad  a,  as  in  wall,  wa-ter  ; 

3 
the  long  sound  of  broad  a  made  by  aw,  as  in  law ; 

3 
the  long  sound  of  broad  a  made  by  o,  as  in  corn. 

Figure  4  represents 
4  4 

the  flat  sound  of  <a,  as  in  farm,  mar-ket. 


12  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTERr 

Figure  5  represents 

6        5 
the  short  sound  of  broad  a,  as  in  wad,  wal-let ; 

5       5 
the  short  sound  of  broad  o,  as  in  not,  mod-ern. 

Figure  6  represents 

6  6 

the  sound  of  oo  proper,  as  in  noon,  gloom-y ; 

6 
the  sound  of  oo  proper  made  by  o,  as  in  prove ; 

6 
the  sound  of  oo  proper  made  by  m,  as  in  rule. 

Figure  7  represents 
7  7 

the  sound  of  oo  short,  as  in  hood,  wool-ly  ; 

7 
the  sound  of  oo  short  made  by  o,  as  in  wolf; 

7 
the  sound  of  oo  short  made  by  m,  as  in  full. 

Figure  8  represents 

8 

the  sound  of  xi  short  made  by  c,  as  in  her ; 

8 
the  sound  of  «  short  m^de  by  i,  as  in  dirt ; 

8 
the  sound  of  u  short  made  by  o,  as  in  love; 

6 
the  sound  of  u  short  made  by  oo,  as  in  flood. 

Figure  9  represents 

9  9 
the  sound  of  a  long  made  by  c,  as  in  tete,  rein. 

Figure  10  represents 

10  10 
the  sound  of  c  long  made  by  i,  as  in  shire,  pique- 

The  diphthongs  oi  and  oy  represent 

3  2  oi         oy 

the  long  broad  o,  and  the  short  t,  as  in  boil,  cloy. 

The  diphthongs  ou  and  ow  represent 

3  7  ou  ow 

the  long  broad  o,  and  the  short  oo,  as  in  pound,  brow. 

Silent  letters  arc  distinguished  by  being  printed  in  Italick 
characters  ;  as  in  n\<j,hy  ?rrap,  /rnavc,  dcrtd,  &c. 

iS,  when  printed  in  Italick,  ha'>  the  sound  of  z;  as  in  rose, 
pronounced  roze. 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  13 

G  has  its  hard  sound  at  the  end  of  words,  and  before  a,  <j, 
M,  /,  and  r  ;  and  its  soft  suund  like  j  before  e,  t,  and  y  \ 
unless  otherwise  defined. 

When  a  syllable  begins  witii  i^  and  is  followed  by  anoth-. 
er  vowel  printed  in  a  Roman  character,  the  i  has  the  sound 
oi y  :  \\m& al-ien  is  pronounced  ale-yni,  S^c. 

When  iy  and  y,  end  a  syllable  after  the  accent,  they  are 
generally  sounded  like  c  ;  as  in  nsg-li-gent,  lib-cr-ty,  pro- 
nounced neg-le-gent,  lih-er-te,  S(^c. 

N  has  the  sound  of  ng  when  it  ends  an  accented  syllable 
and  is  followed  by  k,  q,  c  or  g  hard,  aii*I  likewise  when 
followed  by  k  in  the  same  syllable  :  thus,  a;i-ger,  can-ker, 
thank,    are  pronounced  ang-gcr,  kang~ker,  fhangk,  fyc, 

X  has  the  sound  of  ks  ;  except  when  followed  by  an  ac- 
cented syllable  bogiiniing  with  a  vowel  or  with  h,  in  which 
it  has  the  sound  of  ^:::;  thus,  exact  is  pronounced  egzact. 

When  a  word  begins  with  w,  and  is  followed  by  /t,  the  iv 
is  sounded  after  the  A  ;  thus  ?/'//aZc  is  pronounced  Jiwale,  4*c. 

C,  when  followed  by  h  printed  ni  Italick,  lias  the  sound 
of  ^  ;  thus,  cAord,  is  i)ron<)unced  kord,  &c. 

When  a  word  terminates  in  cA,  preceded  by  I  or  n,  ch 
has  the  sound  v,\  sh,  uisloss  otherwisf;  deflned. 

The  different  sounds  of  th  are  represented  thus  ;  the  first 
or  sharp  sound  as  m  think,  thin,  hath,  &c.  ;  the  second  or 
flat  sound  as  in  xne,  rnat,  Tnine,  &c. 

Aio  and  au  when  printed  in  Roman  characters,  nave  the 
sound  of  broad  a  lou^  ;  as  in  la^,  haul, 

Ew  has  the  sound  (>f?^  long;  as  in  hew,  niew. 

Gh  has  the  snurid  of/,  unloss  otlierwisc  defined, 

Ph  has  the  sound  of/,  unless  otherwiso  dflined. 

Le  at  the  end  of  words,  is  pronounced  liktj  a  weak  el ;  as 
in  cable. 

jRf  atthe  end  cf\YQrds,  is  generally  ]nonoiiiiced  like  ur  ^ 
thus,  a-cre,  is  pronouijced  a^kur,  ^"c. 

The  terminations  t'wn  and  don,  are  pronounced  like  shiin\ 
tiotis,  cimis,  ceo'm^  and  f!rious'\'\kG  shm  :  chiJ  and  tial,  like 
shal  :  ««/ilike  sJutn  :  ticat,  cienf,  ittvA  sieiitj  like  shent,  ^-c. 

In  the  following  yvork  where  c  final  iS'  preceded  by  a  con- 
sonant, and  printed  in  a  Roman  cliaracter,  it  serves, to 
length^  the  foregoing  vcwel  :  as  in  lafe  :  but  in  all  other 
cases^  when  it  ends  a  syllable,  it  is  printed  in  Italick. 

Such  words  as  are  irregular,  and  not  easily  pronounced  by  their 
costomary  letters,  are  written  the  second  time  with  such  letters  as  giv« 
the  right  sound;  or  their  pronunciation  defined   in  some  other  way 


ifj- 


14  THE  AMERICAN  IiNSTRUCTER; 

General  Rules  and  Observations,  for  assisting  ScKoP 
ars  to  Read  with  Pr&priety. 

The  art  of  reading,  is  tliat  system  of  rules,  which  teaches 
us  to  pronounce  written  composition  with  justness,  energy, 
variety,  and  ease. 

These  rules  consist,  principally,  in  the  modulation  of  the 
voice,  comprising  accent,  emphasis,  cadence,  pauses,  and 
inflection. 

Accent  is  a  greater  force  or  stress  of  voice  on  one  sylla- 
ble of  a  word  than  another,  that  it  may  be  better  heard  than 
the  rest,  or  distinguished  from  them.  The  accented  sylla- 
bles should  be  proTiounced  with  a  forcible  stress  of  voice  ; 
the  unaccented,  with  less  stress,  but  distinctly. 

Emphasis  is- a  particulJir  force  of  the  voice,  by  which  wc 
distinguish  the  most  important  word  or  words  in  a  sentence. 
The  words  which  are  enipliJitical-,  arc  opposed  to,  or  con- 
trasted with  some  other  words  either  expressed  or  under- 
stood;  asin  the  following  passage  ; 

"  'Tis  hard  to  say,  if  greater  want  of  skill 
Appear  in  writing,  or  in  jinlghtz'  ill  : 
But  of  the  two,  less  dangero'js  is  the  ofience 
^  To  tire  our  patience,  than  mislead  our  sense." 

In  this  passage,  the  words  in  Italicks  are  cmphatical.  Id 
the  second  \iue,Judging  is  opposed  to  writing  ;  in  the  fourth, 
mislead  is  opposed  to  tire,  and  sense  to  patience,* 

Cadence  is  a  fall  or  depression  of  the  voice,  and  general- 
ly takes  place  at  the  close  of  a  sentence. 

Pauses  are  marks  of  silence,  used  in  punctuation. 

Punctuation  is  the  art  of  dividing  a  written  composition 
into  sentences  or  parts  of  sentences,  by  points  or  stops,  for 
the  purpose  of  marking  the  dillerent  pauses  which  the 
sense  requires. 

Inflections  are  those  slides  of  the  voice  either  upward 
or  downward,  which,  in  a  great  measure,  constitute  the  har- 
mony of  pronunciation. 

Ihe  rising  inflection  is  that  upward  turn  of  the  voice  we 
generally  use  at  the  comma,  or  in  asking  a  question  begin- 
ning with  a  verb  ;  as,  N'n,  say  you  ;  did  he  say  No  ? 

The  falling  inflection  is  generally  used  at  the  semicolon, 
cofon  and  period  ;,  and  must  necessarily  be  heard^in  an- 
swer to  the  former  question,  lie  did  ;  He  said  No. 

*  To  lay  the  emphasis  witii  exact  propriety,  is  a  constant  exercise 
ofgootl  sense  and  uUention.  (-"are  shonUI  be  taken  not  to  use  em- 
fihdtical  words  too  often  ;  it  is  only  a  prudent  use  of  them  that  will 
produce  their  proper  effect.  ^ 


THEj\MERICAN  INSTRUCT/ER.  16 

SECTION  I.  I 

Observations  on  rash  judgement. 

We  generally  judge  of  persons  and  things  as  they  ei- 
ther oppose  or  gratify  our  private  views  and  inclina- 
>  lions  ;  and  being  blinded  by  the  impetuous  motions  of 
self-love,  we  are  easily  led  from  the  judgement  of  truth. 

We  must  not  believe  every  word  we  hear,  nor  trust 
the  suggestions  of  every  thought;  but  consider  and  ex- 
amine all  things  w  ith  patience  and  attention  ;  for  so 
great  is  human  frailty,  that  we  arc  more  ready  to  be- 
lieve and  speak  evil  of  one  another,  than  good. 

But  a  virtuous  man  is  not  forward  to  give  too  much 
credit  to  the  reports  of  others  ;  because,  being  sensible 
of  the  darkness  and  malignity  of  human  nature,  he 
knows  that  it  is  prone  to  evil,  and  apt  to  pervert  truth 
in  the  use  of  speech. 

it  is  an  evidence  of  true  wisdom,  not  to  be  hasty  in 
our  actions,  nor  obstinate  in  our  opinions  ;  and  not  to 
give  credit  to  every  word  that  is  spoken,  nor  immedi- 
ately to  communicate  to  others  v/hat  we  have  lieard,  or 
even  what  we  believe. 

In  cases  of  perplexity  and  doubt,  consult  a  wise  and 
prtident  man  ;  and  choose  rather  to  be  guided  by  the 
counsel  of  one  wiser  than  thyself,  than  to  follow  the 
suggestions  of  thy  own  will. 

Keep  thy  eye  turned  imvardly  upon  tli  vself,  and  be- 
ware of  judging  the  actions  of  others.  In  judging  oth- 
ers, a  person  labours  to  no  purpose  ;  commonly  errs, 
and  frequently  sins:  but  in  examining  and  judging  him- 
self, he  is  always  wisely  and  usefully  employed. 

If  virtue  alone  was  the  pure  object  of  all  our  inten- 
tions and  desires,  we  should  not  be  troubled  when  the 
truth  of  things  happens  to  be  repugnant  to  our  own 
sentiments  and  opinions  :  but  now  we  are  continually 
drawn  aside  from  truth  and  peace,  by  some  partial  in- 
clination lurking  witliin,  or  some  apparent  good  or  evil 
rising  without. 
I  'p  From  the  d'versity  of  inclinations  and  opinions  ad- 


16  THE  AMERICA?^  INSTRUCTER. 

hered  lo,  arise  dissoiisions  among  iriciids  and  country- 
men ;  nay,  even  among  the  professors  of  a  religioiis 
and  holy  litb. 

It  is  dililcult  to  extirpate  that  which  custom  has  deep- 
ly rooted  ;  aiid  no  mart  is  willing  to  be  carried  fartlier 
than  his  own  ijiclinations  and  opinions  lead  him. 

Strong  prejndice  is  relieved  by  learning  to  distin- 
guish things  vrcll,  and  not  to  judge  in  the  lump.  There 
is  scarcely  ap.y  thing  in  the  w  orld,  of  nature  or  art, 
morality  or  religion,  that  is  jrorfectly  unifoi-m. 

There  is  a  mixture  of  wisdom  and  folly,  vice  ajid 
virtue,  good  and  evil,  both  in  men  and  things.  We 
should  remember  that  some  persons  have  great  evil,  and 
little  judgement ;  others  are  Judicious,  but  not  witty. 

Some  are  good  humoured  without  complaisance, 
ot,hers  have  all  the'  formalities  of  complaisance,  but  no 
good  humour.  One  man  may  be  vicious  and  learned, 
while  another  has  virttfe  without  learning. 

Many  a  man  thinks  admirably  well,  who  has  a  poor 
utterance:  while  others  have  a  charming  manner  ol 
speech,  but  their  thoughts  are   trifling  and  impertinent. 

Some  are  good  neighboyrs,  courteous  and  charitable 
towards  men,  who  have  no  piety  towards  God  ;  others 
are   truly   religious,    }kn  of.  morose  natural   temjjers. 
Some  excellent  sayings  arc  found  in  very  silly  books 
and  some  silly  thoughts  appear  in  books  of  real  valut. 

We  shouhi  neither  praise  nor  dispraise  by  wholesale; 
separate  the  good  froin.^  the  evil,  and  judge  of  them 
apart:  the  accuracy  of  a  good  judgement  consists  much 
in  making  such  distinctions. 

Chariiij. 
The  charitable  man  Jiafe  a  fuvdijiabic  i/punoii  oi  iiicii 
and  their  Jictions:  lie  assisfs  the  poor;  he  comforts  the 
afllicted;  he  ])r()tects  those  that  arc  opjn-essed ;  he  re- 
conciles diilerences,  and  promotes  pence  nnd  good  will 
among  men.  From  tjic  fountr'iin  of  his  heart  rise  riveis 
of  goodness,  and  the  sJti'eams  o\at(1ow  iW  the  benefit  of 
m;niklnil. 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


n 


SECTION  II. 

Monosyllahlcs  ;  in  which  the  sounds  of  the  vowels  are  accu- 
rately pointed  out  bif  the  figures,  and  the  silent  letters  dis- 
tinguished by  being  printed  in  Italick  characters. 

In  the  spelling  sections  of  the  follo'.ving  work,  the  words  consisting- 
of  the  same  number  of  syllables,  arc  classed  together.  First,  those  ot 
cue  syllable  are  inserted;  Secondly,  those  of  two;  Thirdly,  those  ot 
three';  and  so  on  tlirough  the  whole  work. 

The  words  are  likewise  arranged  i«  Alphabetical  order:  that  is,  all 
the  words  in  the  monosyllables  that  are  governed  by  figure  1,  are  placed 
ill  alphabetical  order  from  the  l>v>ginning  of  this  section,  onward,  until 
another  figure  occnrs.  Those  gavtrned  by  figure  2,  are  placed  under  iJ 
in  like  manner;  and  so  on  tluoi^i  all  the  spelling  sections  of  tliis  work. 

The  Abbreriafions  denoting  theparts  of  speech  explained., 

for  Participle  ; 
for  Adverb  ; 
for  Preposition ; 
for  Conjunction  ; 


*'■) 

Stands 

n.r 

Article-; 

a, 

ibr 

Adjective; 

11, 

iov 

iNoun  ; 

pro 

foi 

f>i 

Pronor.il ; 
Veib  ; 

for  Interjeclion. 


1 

-Ac//c,  V.  to  be  in  pain 
A«l,  V.  to  liolp,  to  assist 
Air,  n.  the  clement  in  which 

we  breatlie 
Bane,  n.  poison,  miscliiefruin 

-BaTHC,  V.  to  wash  in  water 
Bertk,  «.  the  bill  of  a  bird 

.Be«m,  71.  amain  timber;  part 

of  a  balance  ;  ray  of  light 
Beast,  7?.  an  irrational  animal 
Beef,  n.  the  flesh  of  cattle 
Bind,  «.  to  confine,  fasten 
Bite,w.  to  crush  with  thetcetli 
Blade,  n,  spire  of  grass  ;  the 

sharp  part  of  a, weapon 
Blame,  v.  to  censure 

'Blaze,  n.  a  flame ;  ?;.  to  flame 
BIe«ch,  V.  to  whiten 
Bleed,  v.  to  lose  or  let  blood 
Blind,  a.  without  sight,  dark 
Bloat,  V.  to  swell,  to  pulT  up 
Board,  n.a.  thin  piece  of  wood 
Boast^  V.  to  brag,  magnify 
Braip,   n.    a  soft    substance 
within  the  skull,  the  seat  of 
sensation  and  intellect 


uil, 

}>r. 

(0}>J, 

inl, 
1 

Bold,  a.  darinsf,  confident 
Brave,  a.  courageous,  gallant 
Break,  v.  to  part  by  force  ;  to 

tame 
Breeze,  n.  a  gentle  wind 
Bribe,    n.   a  reward  given  to 

pervert  judgement  ;  r.    tu 

give  bribes 
Bnghi,  a.  shinin'j,  clear 
Brinl^,  n,  salt  pickle,  the  sea 
Cage,   n.  a  place  of  confine- 

mont 
Cake,  n.   a  kind  of  delicate 

bread 
Cape,  «.  headland  ;  part  of  a 

COg-t        " 

Care,  .??.:csus|y9'n,  anxiety 
Case,  /?.    a  ^^^-ering,  sheath, 

oyiter  part' of  a  thing 
Cave,  n.n  cavern,  dea,  hollow 
Cease,  i-.to  stop,  be  at  an  end. 
Cha?r,  n.  a.  moveable  seat 
Chain,  n.  a  Ihie  of  links;  i'.to 

fasten  v/ith  a  chain 
Chaise,  [shaze]  n.  a  carriage 
Change,  v.  to  alter,  to  meial 


te 


to 


pursue 


Chase,  V.  to  hunt 

n.  a  pursuit 
Chaste,  a.  undcfilpd,  purr; 
Cheap,  a.  at  a  h>w  price 
Cheat,    V.  to   defraud  ;  n.  a 

fnmd,  trick 
Cheek,  n.  side  of  the  face 
Cheer,  v.  to  comfort,  to  incite 
Cheese,  ?i.  food  made  of  milk 
Chide,  V.  to  reprove,  blame 
-"Chief,   a.   principal,  capital ; 
n.  a  loader,  a  commander 
Child,  n.   an  infant,    an   off- 
spring 
Choke,  t'.to  suffocate,  stop  up, 

hinder,  suppress 
Claim,  71.  a  demand,  title  :  v. 
to  demand  of  right 
''_CIay,  n,  a  sort  of  earth 

'Clean, «.  free  from  dirt,  neat, 
■  elegant 
Clear,  a.  bright,  transparent, 

free  from  mixture,  pure 
Cleave,  v.  to  divide,  to  split 
Clim&,  V.  to  ascend 
Close,  V.  to  shut,  tofinisli,  to 
join  <^ue 

Coach,  n.  a  carriage  of  pleas- 
Coat,  ?i.  the  upper  garment 
Coax,  V.  to  Hatter,  entice 
Code,  n.   a  book  of  the  civil 

law 
Gold,  a.  not  hot,  frigid 
Colt,  n.  a  young  horse 
Cream,  n.    the  oily   part  of 

m.dk 
Creed,  n.  a  confession  of  faith 
Creep,  ».  to  move  slowly,  to 
loner,  j^iault 

Crime,   n.  an   offence,  great 
Cube,  n.  a  square  solid  body 
Cure,  V.  to  heal,  to  restore  to 
health 


TflE  AMERICAN  INSTRUC'i  EK. 

I         1 
Deed,  ji.   an  action  ;  written 

evidence 
Dire,  a.  dfeadful,  dismal 
Dive,  V.  to  go  under  water 
Door,  n.  gate  of  a  house,  pcis- 

sage  ri.; 

Doze,  V.  to  slumber,  to  stupify 
Drain,  v.  to  empty,  to  make 

dry  [duck 


Drake,  ?/.    the  male    of  the 

3jt'aiv.,  n.  thoughts  in  sleep 
rive,  V.  to  force,  urge,  guide 
Dry,  a.  having  no  moisture 
Ear,  n,  the  organ  of  hearing ; 

spike  of  corn 
Ease,  V.  to  free  from  pain;  n. 

quietness 
Eat,   V.   to   devour  with   the 

mouth,  to  consume  [face 
FacGf^i.  the  visage,  fr«nt,sur- 
Fade,    v.  to  lose    colour,  to 

wither 
Vail,  V.   to  be    deficient ;  to 

omit ;  to  break  in  business 
Faith,  ti.  belief,  fidelity 
Fame,  n.  renown,  reputation 
Fate,  n.  destiny,  event 
Fear,  n.  dread,  awe,  anxiety     ; 

V.  to  dread 
Feast,  n.  a  sumptuous  meal 
Feat,  n,  an  action,  exploit 
Feed,  v.  to  supply  with  food 
Few,  a.  not  many 
Fiend,  ft.  aji  enemy,  infernal 

being 
Fierce,  a.  \iol(M)t,  furious 
Fife,  7t.  a  small  pipe  or  wind 

instrument  of  musick 
Fight,  V.  to  contend  in  battle 
Find,  7'.  to  obtain  by  search- 
ing, discover 
Flail,    n.    an    instrument    to 
thrash  with 


THE  -A31ERICAN  INRTKUCTER. 


19 


1 

Flame,  n.  a  blazo,  a  stream  of 

fire  ;  V.  to  blaze 
Fire,  ?i.  the  clement  that  burns 
Fleam,    ??.  an   instrument  to 
bleed  cattle  [sheep 

Fleece,  ?;.   the  avooI  of  one 
Fleet,  n.  a  number  of  ships  in 

company 
Flo«t,  v.  to  swim  on  the  water 
Floor,  71.  the  bottom  of  a  room 
Flo?<7,  V.  to  run,  tooverfloMr 
Flue,  71.  pipe  of  a  chimney  ; 

soft  down  or  fur 
Flute,  71.  a  musical  pipe 
Fly,  «!.  an  insect 
Fo«m,  n.  froth,  spume 
Foe,  w,  an  enemy,  opponent 
Fold,  n.  a  pen  for  sheep  ;  v. 

to  double  up 
FoZks,  71,  pebple,  mankind 
Force,  ??.  violence,  strength 
Fort,  n.  a  fortified  place,  for- 
tification •■ 
Frail,  a.  liable  to  errour,  weak 
Frame,  n.  a  case,  form,  order 
Fray,n.  a  quarrel,  battle,  broil 
Free,  y.  to  set  at  liberty.;  a. 

liberal 
Freeze,  v.  to  congeal  by  cold 
Fri^At,  V.  ttf  terrify,  to  daunt 
Fume, /i.  vapour,,  smoke,  pas- 
sion 
Gam,  n.  profit,  benefit ;  v.  to 

obtain,  to  win 
Gale,  n.  a  blast  of  wind 
Game,  n.  a  play,  sport 
Gate,  71.  a  large  door,  an  en- 
trance 
Gauge,  n.  a  measure,  a  stand- 
ard ;  V.  to  measure  the  con- 
tents of  a  vessel 
•Gay,    a.  airy,  merry,   fine, 
showy- 


Gaze,  i'.  to  look  earnestly 
G//ost,  n.  a  spirit,  an  appari- 
tion 
Gleam,  n.  a  sudden  shoot  of 

light 
Glee,  ?i.  joy,  mirth,  merriment 
Glide,  V.  to  flow  gently 
Globe,  n.a  round  body,  sphere 
Glu€,  n.  a  strong  cement  used 

to  join  substances 
Go,!',  to  walk,  move,  proceed 
Goad,  71.  a  stick  used  to  drive 

oxen 
Gold,  71.  the  most  valuable  of 

all  metals,  money 
Grace,  ??.  favour,  virtue,  par- 
don, beauty,  ornament 
Grain,   ii.  corn  ;  the  seed  of 

fruit ;  a  small  particle 
Grave,  n.  a  place  for  the  dead; 

a.  sober,  solemn 
Gray,    a.   white  mixed   with 

black 
Graze,  T.  to  eat  grass;  to  touch 

lightly 
Grease,  n.  fat,  the  soft  part  af 

faf 
Green,  a.  unripe  ;  not   dry  ; 
ti.  a  colour  ;  a  grassy  plaia 
Greet,  v.  to  salute,  address 
Cxr/ef,  n.  sorrow,  trouble 
Grieve,  v.  to  mourn,  to  lament 
Gripe,  v.  to  hold  fast,  squeeze 
Grove,  n.    a   small  wood,   a 

walk  shaded  by  trees 
Grow,  V.  to  vegetate,  to  in- 
crease [crease 
Gro?<7th,  71.  vegetation,  in- 
Gtiide,  V.  to  direct,  to  conduct 
Gwile,  71.  deceit,  fraud 
Haste,  71.  hurry,  speed,passioE 
Hate,  V.  to  detest,  abhor,  dis 
like 


20 


IHE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


Hay,  n.  grass  dried  for  fodder 
Heap,  n.  a  pile,crowd,  cluster 
Heat,  n.  warmth,  passion  ;  v. 

to  make  hot  [tion 

Heed,  ??.  care,  caution,  atten- 
Height,  n,  extension  upwards, 

utmost  degree 
Hide,  V.  to   conceal,  lie  hid  ; 

n.  the  skin  of  an  animal 
Hi^A,  a.  tall,  lofty 
Hive,  n.  a  place  for  bees 
Hoarse,  a.   having   a   rough 

voice,  rough,  harsh 
Hoe,  n.  an  instrument  used  to 

cut  up  earth 
Hole,  n.  a  hollow  place,  cavity 
Home,  n.  a  place  of  constant 

residence 
Hope,rt.a  desire  of  some  good 
Host,  n.  a   landlord,  master  ; 

an  army,  any  great  number 
Huge,  a.  vast,  immense 
Ice,  71.  frozen  water 
Ire,,?/,  anger,  rage,  wrath 
Jail, «.  a  prison,  place  of  con- 
finement [mock 
Jeer,   v.   to   scoff,   to    make 
Joke,  n.  a  jest ;  v.  to  jest,  to 

be  merry 
Juice,   n.  sap  in  vegetables  ; 

fluid  in  animals 
June,   /?.   the   sixth  month  of 

the  year 
Keel,  n.  the  bottom  of  a  ship 
Keen,  a.  sliarp,  eager 
Keep,  V.  to  retain,  preserve 
Key,  n.  an  instrument  to  open 

a  lock  ;  a  tone  in  musick 
Kind,  a.  benevolent,  good 
Kite,'n.  a  bird  of  prey  ;  a  fic- 
titious bird  made  of  paper 
■JSjieel,  V.  to  bond   the  Unce, 

.to  rest  DC  tlie  knee 


1 
Xnife,  n.  a  steel  utensil  to  cut 

with 
Know,  V.  to  understand  ;  to 

perceive  with  certainty 
Lake,  m.  a  large  inland  water 
Lame,  a.  crippled;  v.  to  crip- 
ple 
Lane,  n.  a  narrow  street 
Lay,  7;.  to  put,  to  place 
Lead,  v.  to  guide,  to  conduct 
Leaf,  n.  part  of  a  tree,  book, 

table,  &c. 
Leagwe,  n.  a  confederacy  ;  a 

measure  of  three  miles 
Leak,  v.  to  drop,  run  out 
Lean,  v.   to   rest  against,  to 

bend;  a.  meager,  thin,  poor 
Leap,  V.  to  jump,  to  bound  ; 

n.  a  jump 
Lease,  ?i.    a  temporary  con- 
tract for  land 
Least,  a.  the  smallest 
Leave,  v.  to  quit,  forsake  ;  n. 

permission,liberty,  farewell 
Lee,  «.  the  side  opposite  to 

the  wind 
Lees,  n.  dregs,  sediment 
Life,  n.  the   present  state   of 

existence 
Light,  n.  that  by   which  we 

see  ;  a.    not  heavy ;  v.  to 

kindle,  to  inflame 
Like,  V.  to  be  pleased  with  ; 

a.  resembling 
Lime,  n.  a  viscid  substance  of 

which  mortar  is  made  ;  a 

species  of  lemon 
Lino,  n.  a  string  ;  a  mark 
Lo,  int.  look  !  sec  !  behold  ! 
Load,  11.  a  burden,  a  freight ; 

V.  to  burden  ;  lo  charge  a 

gun 
Loaf,  n.  a  m'ASS  of  hrooA 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


21 


•LoflTHe,  V.  to  hate,  abhor 
Lone,  a.  single,  without  com- 
pany 
how,    a.   not   high ;    weak  ; 

mean  ;  v.  to  bellow 
Mail,   ».  armour  ;   a  bag   of 
post-letters  [cripple 

Maim,    V.    to    hurt,     wound, 
Ma/'n,  a.  chief,  principal 
Maize,  n.  Indian  corn 
Make,  v.  to  create,  to  form 
Mane,  n.  the  hair  on  the  neck 

of  a  horse 
Mare,  m.   tlie   female    of  the 

horse  kind 
Mate,  n.  a   companion  ;  sec- 
ond in  command 
May,  n.  the  fifth  month  of  the 

year  ;  v.  to  be  permitted 
Mead,  n.    a  drink  made    of 

honey  and  water 
Meal,  n.  the   edible   part   of 

corn  ;  a  repast 
Mean,  a.  base,  low  ;  n.  medi- 
um, method  ;  v.  to  intend 
Meat,  n.  flesh  to  be  eaten 
Meek,    a.   mild    of    temper, 

humble,  gentle 
Meet,  V.  to  join,  to  come  to- 
gether 
Might,  n.  power,  strength 
Mild,  a.  kind,  tender       [rods 
Mile,  n.  the  distance  of  320 
Mind,    n.  intelligent    power, 
opinion  ;  v.  to  mark,  regard 
Mine,  n.  a  place  that  contains 
minerals  ;    pro.   belonging 
to  me 
Mire,  n.  mud,  wet  dirt 
Mite,  n.  a   small  particle  ;  a 

very  small  insect 
Moan,  V.  to  lament,  grieve 
Mode,  n.  form,  fashion 


Mole,  n.   a    natural   spot ;  a 

small  animal 
Mope,  V.  to  be  stupid 
More,  a.  a  greater  number  or 

quantity 
Most,  a.  greatest   in    number 

or  quantity  [of  matter 

Mote,  h.  a  very  small  particle 
MoMrn,  V.  to  grieve,  lament 
Mow,  V.  to  cut  with  a  scythe 
Muse,   ».  deep  thought ;  the 

power  of  poetry  ;  v.  to  pon- 
der, to  study 
Mute,  ti.    a  letter   without  a 

sound  ;  a.  silent,  dumb 
Nail,  71.   an    iron  spike  ;  the 

horny  substance  at  the  ends. 

of  the  fingers  and  toes         v 
Narae,7i.  an  appellation,  title  ; 

V.  to  give  a  name  ;  to  men- 
tion by  name 
Nay,  ad.  no^by  no  means 
Neat,  a.  elegant,  clean,  pure 
New,  a.  fresh,  modern,  late 
News,   n.   fresh    accounts  oi 

transactions 
"Niece,  n.  the   daughter   of  a 

brother  or  sister     [sunrise 
^'ight,  V.  time  from  sunset  to 
No,  od.  a  word  of  denial 
Nose,  ti.  part  of  the  face 
0«k,  n.  the  name  of  a  tree 
Oar,  n.  an  instrument  to  row 

v/ith 
0<7th,  n.  a  sdlemn  or -profane 

appeal  to  the  Divine  Being 
Oats,  ?z.  a  species  of  grain 
Old,  a.  not  new,  ancient 
Ore,  71.  metal  unrefined 
Page,  71.  one  side  of  a  leaf 
Pail,  n.  a  wooden  vessel 
Pain,  71.  sensation  of  uneasi 
ness ;  penalty 


22 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


1  .11 

Pair,  M.  a  couple,  two  thintrs  j  Poll,  n.  the   head;  a    list  of 

suiting  one  another  voters  at  an  election 

Pale,  a.  taint  of  lustre,  whitish    Porch,  n.  a  portico,  a  covered 
Pane,  n.  a  square  of  glass        j      walj-;  [rrtiou 

Pare,  v.  to  cut  off  the  surface    Pore,  n.  a  passage  of  pcrspi- 
i»_^_    „    .1-- u_-j  Pork,  n.  swine's  llesh      [wine 

Port,  n.  a  harhour  ;  k.ii;d  of 
Post,  n.  a  piece  of  timber;   a 

messenger ;  office 
Pra/se,  n.  conunendation,hon- 


Pate,  n.  the  head 

Pave,  V.  to  lay  with  stones" or 

brick 
Pay,  V.  to  disclKirge   a  debt ; 

n.  wages 
Peace, '71.  rest,  quietness  ;  re- 
spite from  war  [sounds 
Peal,  71.  a  succession  of  loud 
Pear,  n.  a  kind  of  fruit 
Peel,  V.  to  pare,   to  take   the 

rind  off 
Peer, ».  a  nobleman  ;  an  equal 
Pew,  71.  a  seat  enclosed  in  a 

church 
Ptece,  n.  a  part,a  composition 
Pier,  71.  the  column  or  sup- 
port of  an  arch  ;  a  wharf  or 
mound  in  a  river  or  sea 
Pierce,  v.  to  penetrate,  enter 
Pile,ra.  aheap;  piece  of  wood 


our  ;  V.  to  commend,  extol 

Pra?/,  V.  to  entreat,  suppli- 
cate, implore 

Preach,  v.  to  deliver  a  pub- 
lick  discourse  on  religious 
subjects 

Price,  ?i.  value,  estimation 

Pride,  )i.  self-esteem,  haughti- 
ness 

Prime,  7i.  the  spring  of  life, 
best  part  ;  v.  to  put  pow- 
der into  the  pan  of  a  gun 

Prize,  71.  a  reward  gained  ;  .v. 
to  rate,  to  value         [mcnt 

Probe,  71.  a  surgeon's   instru- 


Plne,  n.  a  tree  ;  v.  to  languish  I  Prose,    /z.    the  usual   way  of 
Pint,  n.  half  a  cpart  i      speaking  or  writing  ;  in  op- 

Pipe,  n.  a  tube;  an  instrument  I      positio:i  to  verse 

of  musick  ;  two  hogslieads  |  Pure,  a.  unsullied,  clear 
Place,  ».  locality  ;  residence  ;    Qua/1,  n.  the  name  of  a  bird 


rank  ;  v.  to  rank,  fix 
■  Plagj«»,  71.  pestilence  ;    v.    to 

trouble,  vex 
Plate,  n.    a    dish    to  cat  on  ; 

wrought  silver 
Flay,  V.  to  spoit,  to    frolick  ; 

n.  recreation  ;  a  drama 
Plea,n.  form  of  pleading ;  ex- 
cuse 
Plead,  7).  to  argue,  defend 
Please,  v.  to  delight,  gratify 
Pi)lc,  n.  a  lung  staff;  a  mea- 
sure of  ;3  \  yards 


Quake,  V.  to  sliake  with   cold 

or  fear 
Qup;mi,  7*.  the  wife  of  a  king 
Queer,  a.  odd,  strange,  droll 
Quire,  n.  24  sheets  of  pajier 
Quite,  ad.  completely,  per- 
fectly 
Race,   «.    a    running  match  ; 

family,  a  })articular  breed 
Rage,  71.  violent  anger  ;  v.  to 

be  in  a  f«ry 
Rain,  71.   water   falling   from 
the  clouds 


THE  AarERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  '2S 

SECTION  III. 

The  diligent  Scholar. 

Who  is  he  that  comes  aJong  so  briskly  with  a  small 
basket  on  his  arm?  His  Hmbs  are  strong  and  active, 
his  cheeks  are  ruddy,  and  his  countenance  is  cheerful 
and  good  humoured. 

It  is  the  dihgent  scholar  :  he  is  hastening  to  school 
that  he  may  be  tlicre  in  time.  It  is  very  seldom  that 
he  is  a  minute  after  the  time  fixed,  either  in  the  morn- 
ing,  or  in  the  afternoon. 

He  is  not  afraid  of  summer's  heat,  or  winter's  cold, 
nor  of  a  little  snow  or  rain.  His  teacher  tells  him  that 
he  should  be  very  regular  in  attending  school,  in  order 
that  he  may  learn  well  and  quick  ;  and  he  always  likes 
to  please  and  oblige  his  teacher,  and  to  do  as  he  desires. 

During  school  time,  he  always  sits  or  stands  in  his 
own  place  ;  and  he  never  goes  out  of  the  school  with- 
out his  teacher's  leave;  He  reads  no  book  at  school 
but  such  as  his  teacher  tells  him  to  read.  He  is  very 
careful  not  to  do  any  raiscliief,  or  put  any  thing  out  of 
its  proper  place. 

He  is  desirous  to  learn  something  useful  every  day^ 
and  to  remember  what  he  has  learned:  and  he  is  scarce- 
ly satisfied  with  himself,  if  he  does  not  find  that  he  im- 
proves every  day  he  lives. 

When  he  is  at  school,  he  remembers  that  it  is  out  of 
kindness  and  love  to  him  that  his  parents  or  guardians 
have  senthim  there,  or  procured  him  the  liberty  of  going. 

He  takes  care  not  to  disappoint  them  in  their  views, 
nor  grieve  them  nor  his  careful  teacher,  by  being  neg- 
ligent and  careless  of  his  book ;  but  applies  himself  with 
the  utmost  diligence,  to  whatever  studies  or  business 
his  master  appoints  him. 

In  going  to  and  from  school,  as  well  as  at  all  other 
times,  he  is  careful  to  behave  with  decency  and  respect 
to  every  one,  whether  rich  or  poor,  old  or  young. 

He  will  by  no  n)eans  say  or  do  any  thing  that  would 
offend  any  person  ;  neither  torture  nor  abuse  any  living 
creature  ;  because  he  is  willing  to  do  in  all  cases,  as  he 
would  wish  to  be  done  unto. 


24  TJIC  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. ' 

The  diligent  scholar  is  one  who  loves,  honours  and 
obeys  his  parents  and  teacher,  by  paying  them  the  ut- 
most deference  and  respect,  by  a  becoming  reverence 
for  tliem,  a  filial  affection  for  their  persons,  a  tender  re- 
gard for  llieir  safety  and  preservation,  a  constant  and 
cheerful  attention  to  their  advice,  and  a  ready  and  im- 
pliclf  obedience  to  their  coininands. 

His  parents,  brothers  and  sisters,  and  all  his  friends, 
love  him.  His  teacher  loves  him  too,  and  commends 
him  very  much  to  all  who  make  inquiries  about  him, 
and  often  speaks  of  his  ecood  conduct  to  the  other  scho- 
lars,  and  wish.es  them  to  take  pattern  by  him,  and  be- 
have as  ho  docs. 

When  he  leaves  school,  he  often  thinks  of  what  he 
learne'l  there,  and  trh^s  to  remember  it,  and  to  improve 
himself  in  it.  He  is  tffankful  to  his  parents  "and  to  his 
teacher,  v.ho  were  so  good  to  him,  and  took  so  much 
pains  to  instruct  Jiim;  and  especially  lie  will  be  thank- 
ful to  God  who  gave  him  such  kind  })arents,  and  so 
good  a  teacher. 

SECTfON  IV. 

Hejlecdons  on  Sun-set. 

Behold  now  the  beautiful  evening  drawmgjher  sa- 
ble curtain  over  the  world.  All  circumstances  concur 
to  hush  our  passions,  and  soothe  our  cares;  liberty, 
that  dearest  of  names,  and  health,  the  greatest  of  bless- 
ings, gi\e  an  additional  and  inexpressible  charm  to 
every  delightful  object. 

Sec  how  that  glorious  luminary  beautifies  the  western 
clouds,  dt^scending  lower,  and  lower,  till  his  chariot 
wheels  seem  to  liovcr  on  the  utmost  verge  of  day.  The 
ground  is  now  o\  ersjirf-ad  with  gliunnering  shades,  ma- 
king a  niost  beautiful  landsca|}e. 

The  melodious  tribe  of  feathered  songsters,  full  of 
grateful  acknowledgments,  nrd  now  paying  their  last 
tribute  of  hai'niony,  and  soothing  tlifmselves  to  rest  with 
a  song  of  yjraiseto  t^ie  great  Creator.  See!  the  distant 
emineui  pt  v.  ith  streaming  gold ;  the  loftiest  trees 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  ,  .        25 

in  the  groves,  and  distant  tovverSj  catch  the  last  smiles  of 
da}' ;  all  nature  still  irradiated  by  the  departing  beams. 

But  alas  !  how  transient  is  the  distinction  !  how  mo- 
mentary the  gift!  Like  all  other  blessings  which  mor- 
tals enjoy  on  earth,  it  is  gone  almost  as  soon  as  granted. 
See  how  languishingly  it  trembles  on  the  lofty  spires. 

The  lowing  herds  are  slowly  bending  their  way  along 
the  verdant  meadow  to  meet  the  milk-maid  with  her 
pail,  who  daily  robs  them  of  their  sweets  gathered  from 
nature.  The  flowers  fold  up  their  coloured  leaves,  and 
hang  their  heads  on  tlie  slender  stalk  ;  and  even  the 
gamesome  lambs  have  grown  weary  of  their  frolicks. 

The  little  vivacity  that  remains  of  day,  decays  every 

moment.     It  can  no  longer  hold  its  station.     While  I 

speak,  it  expires,  and  resigns  tlie  silent  world  to  night. 

— e©^— 

SECTION  V. 

Select  Sentences. 

No  man  is  born  wise  ;  but  wisdom  and  virtue  require 
a  tutor  ;  though  we  can  easily  learn  to  be  vicious  with- 
out a  teacher. 

Idleness  is  the  parent  of  Avant,  and  of  pain  ;  but  the 
labour  of  virtue  brings  forth  pleasure. 

The  hand  of  diligence  defeats  want :  prosperity  and 
success  are  the  industrious  man's  attendants. 

Economy  is  the  foundation  of  liberality,  and  the  pa- 
rent of  independence. 

Dihgence,  industry,  and  a  proper  improvement  of 
time,  are  material  duties  of  the  yoimg. 

Avoid  all  harshness  in  behaviour  ;  treat  everj^  one 
with  that  civility  which  springs  from  a  mild  and  gentle 
heart. 

By  taking  revenge,  a  man  is  but  equal  with  his  ene- 
my ;  but  in  passing  it  over,  he  is  superiour. 

Caution  is  a  necessary  lesson  to  be  learned  by  youth  ; 
and  perseverance,  one  of  the  best  qualities  they  can  be 
endowed  with. 

It  is  wiser  to  prevent  a  quarrel  beforehand,  tha'^i  to 
revenge  it  afterwards. 

3 


s  ^ 


THE   AMERICAN    INSfRtJCTES:. 


Learning  is  the  temperance  of  youth,  the  comfort  of 
old  age,  and  the  only  sure  guide  to  honour  and  prefer- 
ment. 

Modesty  ahvajs  sits  gracefully  upon  youth  ;  it  covers 
a  multitude  of  faults,  and  dou1)lcs  t!ie  lustre  of  every 
virtue  which  it  seems  to  hide. 

Nothing  more  engages  the  affections  of  men,  tlnui : 
handsome  address,  and  graceful  conversation. 

Our  conversation  should  he  siu-h,  that  jouth  ma^ 
therein  find  improvement,  women  modesty,  the  aged  re- 
spect, and  all  men  civility. 

The  happiness  of  the  body,  consists  in  health  ;  that 
of  {he  mind,  in  knowledge. 

True  }>icty  is  the  foundation  of  good  nmrals,  and  a 
disposition  particularly  graceful  and  becoming  in  youth. 

Virtue  is  never  safe  but  when  she  is  secured  by  the 
guard  of  prudence  :  discretion  is  her  handmaid,  and 
wisdom  her  counsellor  and  instructer. 

Virtue's  the  friend  of  life,  the  soul  of  health, 

The  poor  maivs  comfort,  and  the  rich  nran's  wealth. 

SECTION  VI. 

3Ionosyllablcs  con t in ncd. 
I 


Raise,  v.  to  lift,  erect,  exalt, 

elevate 
Rake,  n.  a  farming  utensil ;  a 

loose  disorderly  follow 
Rare,  a.  scarce,  uncommon 
Rate,  n.  a  price  ;  a  tax  ;  v.  to 

value 
Ray,  n.  a  beam  of  light 
Reach,  V.  to  hold  out  ;  to  ar- 
rive at 
Read,  V.  to  peruse 
Ream,  n.  20  quires  of  paper 
Reap,  V.  to  cut  down  grain 
Rear,  v.  to  raise  up  ;  n.   the 

hinder  troop  ;   last  class 
Reed,  n.  u  plant,  small  pipe 


Ueelj  n.  a  iVanie  on  which 
yarn  is  wound  ;  r.  to  wind 
on  a  reel ;  to  stagger 
R/(3Jue,  V,  to  agice'in  sound  ; 
/,'.  harnictiy  of  verses,  po- 
^etry 
Rice,  //.   a    kind  of  esculent 

grain 
Ride,   V.   t('    he    carried    on 
iiorseback,  or  in  a  vehicle 
Ri^'//t,  a.  fit,  just;  ?t.  justice 
Kind,  n.  bark,  husk,  skin 
Ripe,  a.  mature,  complete 
Hi.se,  /'.  to  get  up,  ascend 
Rive,  r.  (o  split,  to  cleave 
Road,  n.  a  way  for  travelling 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


27 


Roam,  v.  to  \vander,  ramble 
Roar,  V.  to  make  a  loud  noise 
Roast,!',  to  cook  meat  before 

the  fire 
Robe,  n.  a  dress  of  dignity 
Roc,  n.  the  female  of  the  hart 
Rogwe,  n.  a  knave,  a  rascal 
Rolly-w.  to    move  in  a  circle, 

to  epwrap 
Rope,  n.  a  cord,  strincr,  halter 
Ro5e,  n.  a  fragrant  flower 
Rote,   n.   words    uttered    by 

mere  memory 
Row,  n.  a  number    of  things 
placed  in  a  line;  v.  to   im- 
pel by  oars 
Kyc,  V.  a  kind  of  grain 
Safe,  a.  free  from  danger 
Sage,  a.    wise,  grave ;    n.   a 
plant ;  a  man  of  wisdom 
Sail,  n.  a  canvass  sheet ;  v.  to 

be  moved  b)'^  the  wind 
Saint,    n.  a  pcr:;on  cmine'it 

for  piety 
Sale,  n.  the  act  of  selling 
Same,  a.  of  the  like  kind 
Save,  V.  to  preserve  from  dan- 
ger or  destruction 
Sa_y,  u.  to  speak,  utter 
Scale,  n.  part  of  the  covering 

of  a  fish  ;  a  balance 
Scarce,  a.  uncommon,  rare 
Scare,  r.  to  frighten,  to  terrify 
Scene,   n.   part  of  a  play,  an 

appearance 
Sc/jeme,  n,  a  plan,  project 
Scold,  V.  to  find  fault 
Scrape,  v.    to   pare   lightly ; 

erase  ;  ».  difficulty 
Screak,   v.    to   make  a  shrill 

noise  ' 

Scream,  r,    t.o   cry    out   vio- 
lently 


Sea,  n.  the  ocean,  a  collection 

of  water 
Sef/l,  n.  a  stamp,  mark  ;  «.  te 

fasten  with  a  seal 
Sear,  r.  to  burn 
Seat,  n.  a  chair,  bench 
See,  V.  to  perceive  by  the  eye 
Seed,  n.  that  which  produces 
Seek,  V.  to  look  for,  solicit 
Seem,  v.  to  appear 
SeoTH,  V.  to  boil,  to  make  hot 
Seine,  7?.  a  net  used  in  fishing 
Seize,  V.  to  take  by  force,  to 

grasp 
Shade,  n.  a  sliadow 
Shake,  v.  to  tremble,  to  tottei 
Shame,  n.  disgrace 
Shape,  n.  a  form;  v.  to  form 
Share,  n.  a  portion,  a  part ;  v. 

to  divide 
Shave,  t\  to  pare,  to  cut  ofi" 
Sheaf,  n.  a  bundle  of  grain 
Shear,  v.  to  clip,  to  cut  off 
Sheath,   n.  a   scabbard,   the 

case  of  any  thing 
SheaxH,  v.  to  put  into  a  sheath 
Sheep,    n.   the    animal    that 

be^rs  wool 
Sheet,  n.  a  piece    of  paper ; 

linen  for  a  bed  ;  a  sail 
Shield,  n.  a  buckler,  defence 
Shine,  v.  to  glitter,  to  glisten 
Shore,  v.  the  bank  of  a  river, 

the  coast  of  a  sea 
Sho*t',r.  to  exhibit   to  view; 

n.  a  sight,  exhibition 
Shrielt,  n.  a  cry  of  anguish  or 

horrour  ;  r.  to  scream 
Sig"At,  ji,   perception   by  the 

eye  [token 

Si^n,  V.   to   subscribe  ;  n.   a 
Size,*?!,  bulk,  bigness 
Skate,  11.  a  kind  of  sliding  shoe 


2d 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


Sky,  «.  the  region  wliich  sur- 
rounds  the    earth,  the  fir- 
mament 
Slate,  n.  a  gra}'  stone 
Slave,   ?i.    one     deprived     of 

freedom 
Slay,  V.  to  kill,  to  murder 
Sleep,  n,  repose,  slumber 
Sleeve,  n.  the  dress  covering 

the  arm 
Slice,  7?.  to  cut  into  thin  pieces 
Slide,  V.  to  mo\'e  on  a  slippery 

surface 
Sli^At,  V.  to  neglect,  scorn 
Sloth,  n.  laziness  ;  an  animal 
Slo2^7,  a.  not  swift,  dull 
Sly,  a.  meanly  artful,  cunning 
Smile,  V.  to  express  pleasure 
by  the  countenance  ;  n.  a 
look  of  pleasure 
•Smite,  V.  to  strike,  destroy 
Smoke,  n.  a  sooty  exhalation 
Snake,  n.  a  serpent 
Snare,  n.  a  net,  a  trap 
Sneer,  v.  to  show  contempt ; 

n.  a  scornful  look 
Sneeze,  v.  to  emit  wind  audi- 
bly by  tho  nose 
Snipe,  n.  a  kind  of  bird 
Snot^,   n.     water    fro/x'n     in 

flakes 
So,  ad.  in  like  manner,  thus 
Soak,  V.  to  steep,  to  wet 
Soap,  n.  a  substance  used  in 
washing  [high 

Soar,  V.  to  fly  aloft,  to    rise 
Sole,  n.  the  bottom  of  the  foot 
or  shoe  [painful 

Sore,  n.  a  place   tender  and 
SomI,  «.  the  innnortal  part  of 

man,  the  spirit 
Sowrce,   71.  a    spring,    head  ; 
original  cause 


Sow,  i\  to  scatter,  to  spread 
Space,  w.  extension,  room 
Spade,  71.  a  sort  of  shovel 
Spare,  v.  to   do   without  ;  a. 

scanty,  lean 
Speak,  V.   to   utter  articulate 
sounds,  to  talk  [on 

Spear,«.  a  long  pointed  weap- 
Speech,   71.    articulate    utter- 
ance, talk  ;  an  oration 
Speed,  71.  quickness,  haste 
Sphere,  ti.  a  globe,  orb  ;  com- 
pass of  knowledge  or  action 
Spice,  ?/.  a  vegetable  produc- 
tion fragrant  to  the  smell 
Spike,  71.  a   nail  ;    an   ear  of 

corn 
Spite,  71.  malice,  rancour 
Spleen,  n.  ill  humour 
Spoke,  71.  part  of  a  wheel 
Sport,  71.  play,  diversion 
Sprain,  tj.  a  violent  extension 

of  the  tendons 
Spume,  71.  foam,  froth 
Spy,  71.  one  who   watches  art- 

other's  actions 
Squeeze,  v.  to  press  close 
Stain,  71.  a  blot ;  infamy ;  v.  to 

blot,  to  daub 
Stake,  71.  a  post ;  pledge 
Stare,  v.  to  look  earnestly 
State,   77.   condition,  dignity  ; 
a  republic^,  body  of  a  na- 
tion 
•Stave,  V.  to  break  in  pieces 
Stay/,  V,  to  continue  in  a  place 
Sle./l,  r.  to  take  by  theft 
Sle^ni,?/.  tljo  vapour  or  smokt 
of  any  thing  moist  and  hot 
.St(;cl,  71.  iron  refined  by  fire 
Steep,   r.    to    soak;    a.    ap- 
proaching 1/1  a  perpend !(• 


THE  AMERICAN  INfeTRUCTER. 


29 


Stone,  n.  a  hard   and   insipid 

body 
Stoi-e,  n.  a  warehouse 
Stove,  n.   a  place  in    which 

fire  is  made 
Strange,   a.  wonderful,  odd  ; 

ijit.-eiu  cxprcssion  of  wonder 
Sti^ay,  x'.  to  wander,  to  rove 
Str^'am,  w.  a  running  water,  a 

current 
Street,  n.  a  paved  way,  a  road 
Strife,  11.  contention 
Strike,  v.  to  hit  with  a  blow 
Strive,  T'.  to  endeavour 
Stroll,  V.  to  wander,  ramble 
Style,  n.  innnner  of  writing  ; 

title 
Sag,  r.  to  prosecute  by  law  ; 

to  entreat,  beg,  request 
Sure,  [shure]  a.  certain,  true 
Sweet,  a.  luscious  to  the  taste 
Swine,  n.  a  hog,  a  pig 
S«'ord,  n.  a  military  weapon 
Take,  r.  to  receive ;  to  seize  ; 

to  captivate 
Tame,  a.  gentle,  not  wild 
Tare,  n.  a  w^^ced ;  an  r.llcw- 

ance  in  weight 
Taste,  V.   to    try  the   reliili  ; 

n.  the  act  of  tasting 
Te«,  n.  a  Chinese  plant  ;  li- 
quor made  thereof 
Teach,  v.  to  instruct 
Tear,  n,  water  from  the  eye 
Theme,  n.    a    subject,   short 

dissertation 
Th?ef,  n.  one  who  steals 
Tnmfi,pro.  relating  to  thee 
Three,  a.  one  and  two  added 
Thrice,  ad.  three  times 
Thrive,  v.  to  prosper;  to  grow 

fat  or  rich  [neck 

Throat,  n,  the  fore  part  of  the 
3* 


1 

Throne,  n.  a  royal  seat 
Thro?<>,  V.  to  fling,  to  cast 
Tide,  n.  ebb  and  flow  of  the 

sea 
Tie,  V.  to  fasten,  to  bhid 
Time,  n.  measure  of  duratiorf 
Toad,   iu   an   anhnal  resem- 
bling a  frog 
Toe,  n.  one  of  the  divided  ex-- 

tromitics  of  the  foot 
Trade,  n.  traffick,  commerce  ; 

V.  to  deal,  to  traffick 
Tree,  n.  a  large  vegetable 
Tribe,  n.  a   distinct    body  oi' 

people 
Try,  V.  to  attempt 
Tune,  n.  a  dirt  rs^ity  of  notes 

put  together,  liarniqny 
Twan),  a.  two;    ad.  in  two 

part  s 
Twice,  ad.  two  times 
Twine,     V.     to     twist,    wrap 

round  ;  n.  a  twisted  thread 
Type,   1).   a    priniing  letter; 

an  emblem 
Use,  n.    service,   advantage, 

liabit,  custom  [fruitless 

Va/n,    a.    conceited,    proud, 
Yea\,  n.  the  llesu  of  a  calf 
Virc,  II.  wickedne.s-s;  an  iron 

press 
Xhtw.  ).'.  71  prospect,  sight ;  v. 

to  survey,  to  see 
Vile,  a.  base,  wicked,  mean. 
Wait,  c.  to  stay 
Week,  n.  sevcii  days 
Weep,  V.   to   i;hed   tears,  Ia< 

inent,  mourn 
Whale,  n.  the  largest  of  fish 
Wheel,  n.  an   instrument  for 

spinning ;  a  circular  body 

that  turps  round  upon  aa 

axis 


30  til E  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

Wheat,  n.  a  specios  of  grain    j  tFHte,,  i>.  to  form  letters  and 
Why,  ad.  for  what  reason       j      words  with  a  pen 
Wife,  w.  a  married  woman  Yc.v!-,    n.     twelve    calendai 

Wine,  //.  the  fermented  juice  }      months 

V/»'kl,   r.  tn    resign;  to  pro- 
duce 
Zertl,    n.    jKissionatP    ardour, 
warmth 


of  grapes 
Wise,  a.  judging  right,  skilful, 

prudent 
Wo,  71.  grief,  sorrow,  misery 


SECTION  yu. 

Monition  to   Children. 

Chii-DREX,  your  kind  parents  send  you  to  school 
that  you  may  be  instructed  in  many  thingfs  which  may 
render  you  happy  iii  yourselves,  and  .useful  in  society. 
They  wish  you  to  improve,  and  to  be  o'jedient  to  youi; 
instructers. 

They  know  that  you  must  apply  your  minds  to  study, 
or  you  will  not  learn  any  thinu; ;  and  the  whole  ex- 
pense of  your  education  will  be  thrown  away,  and  you 
^row  up  and  become  a  burden  to  yoiu'selves  and  parents. 

It  is  to  little  eflect  that  instruction  is  ofi-.'rcd  tb  you, 
if  you  will  neither  listen  to,  nor  observe  the  precepts 
which  are  recommended.  You  can  give  no  better  proofs 
of  a  docile  temper,  than  by  payinjii^  jn'oper  resjiect  to 
those  lessons  which  are  calculated  for  the  improvement, 
either  of  the  faculties  of  the  mind,  or  aliections  of  the 
heart. 

Think  not  that  the  business  of  education  is  a  hard- 
ship to  which  you  are  subject :  it  is  intended  solely  for 
yojLir  benefit  ;  to  instruct  you  hi  those  virtues  and  ac- 
complishments which  will  tend  to  make  you  t^ood  and 
liappy,  useful  and  at^reeable. 

Consider  that  your  parents,  by  their  conduct  in  this 
instance,  are  dischargint^that  oilice  which  is  incumbent 
on  them.  Your  interest,  therefore,  and  their  duty,  arie 
sufficient  inducements  for  the  one  to  furnish  the  means 
of  improvement,  and  for  the  others  to  be  diligent  and 
obedient  to  their  teachers. 


THE  AMERICAiV  INSTRUGTER.  31 

It  is  hoped  that  the  means  of  ieaming^  which  are  now 
offered  to  you,  will  be  duly  estimated;  and  that  you 
will  do  every  thiu^  in  your  power  to  turn  it  to,  a  good 
purpose.  No  proficienc}'  can  be  made  in  any  course 
of  stud}^  or  learning,  without  application. 

Apply  yourselves  to  the  duties  you  owe  to  your  pa- 
rents, relations,  and  to  all  others.  Your  parents  love 
you  sincereh  ,  and  do  all  they  can  to  make  you  com- 
fortable and  happy  ;  and  surely  you  should  love  and 
be  kind  to  them  in  return. 

If  you  observe  the  duty  you  owe  to  your  parents, 
you  will  be  the  better  disposed  to  attend  to  the  love 
and  respect  which  are  due  to  every  body  else.  You 
will  love  your  brothers  a*nd  sisters  ;  you  will  try  to 
serve  and  oblige  them,  and  secure  their  love  to  you. 

This  spirit  of  love  at  home,  will  attend  you  wherever 
you  go  :  it  will  induce  you  to  respect  and  oblige  youP 
friends  ;  and  if  you  live  in  love,  you  will  be  kind  to  all 
your  playmates  ;  you  will  pity  the  poor  and  afllicted, 
and  try  to  relieve  their  wants.  Apply  yourselves  con- 
stantly to  these  things,  and  you  will  be  sure  of  obtain- 
ing the  love  and  friendship  of  all  who  know  you. 

Karly  accustom  yourselves  to  speak  the  truth.  Bad 
children  are  often  disposed  to  neglect  speaking  the 
truth  when  they  have  committed  a  fault :  shame,  or  the 
fear  of  punishment,  leads  them  to  conceal  it  from  their 
parents  and  instructers. 

They  are  suspected,  and  asked  to  confess ;  but  they 
positively  deny,  or  artfully  avoid  a  direct  answer.  A 
-confession  would  always  be  best ;  it  would  generally 
secure  a  pardon,  or  a  very  trifling  correction. 

Take  care  that  you  do  not  imitate  such  bad  examples 
of  folly,  deceit  and  wickedness.  Be  careful  that  you 
do  nothing  which  your  friends  would  disapprove  ;  but 
if  you  should  offend  them  by  doing  amiss,  and  they  ask 
you  to  confess,  doit  immediately. 

In  speaking  of  others,  you  should  avoid  prejudice, 
passion  and  revenge ;  but  you  should  always  speak  of 
bad  behaviour  and  wicked  actions  as  th^  deserv.e» 


32  THE  AMERICAN  INSTROCTER. 

And  even  if  your  brothers,  sisters  or  companions  whom 
you  love,  do  what  is  wrong,  and  you  are  requested  to 
give  an  account  of  their  actioMS,  speak  plainly  and 
faithfully  of  what  you  know  of  the  inatter. 

By  these  means,  many  evils  would  be  checked  in 
time,  and  many  gross  and  daring  crimes  prevented;  the 
peace  of  society  and  that  of  your  young  friends  would 
be  preserved,  and  their  families  al>o,  would  be  kept 
free  from  strife,  confusion  and  unhappiness. 

SECTION  VIII. 

The  Village  Green. 

On  the  cheerful  village  green, 

Scatter'd  round  with  houses  neat, 
All  the  boys  and  girls  are  seen, 

Playing  there  with  busy  feet. 

Now  they  frolick,  hand  in  hand, 

■  Making  many  a  merry  chain  ; 

Then  they  form  a  warlike  band, 

Mnrching  o'er  the  level  plain. 

Then  ascends  tl)e  nimble  ball ; 

High  it  rises  in  the  air ; 
Or  against  the  cottage  wall. 
Up  and  down  it  bounces  there. 

Or  the  hoop,  with  even  pace, 

Runs  before  the  merry  crowd  : 
Joy  is  seen  in  ev'ry  face ; 

Joy  is  heard  in  clamours  loud. 

For,  amongst  the  rich  and  gay, 

Fine  and  grand,  and  derk'd  in  laces, 

None  appear  more  glad  than  they, 

AVith  h;ippier  hearts,  or  hoi)pier  faces. 

Then  contented  witli  my  state, 

Let  me  envy  not  the  great ; 
Since  true  pleasure  may  be  seen 

On  a  cheerful  village  green. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTEK. 


33 


SECTION  IX. 

To  a  Child  jive  years  old. 

Fairest  flower,  all  flowers  excelling, 
Which  in  Milton's  page  we  see  : 

Flowers  of  Eve's  inibower'd  dwelling. 
Are,  my  fair  one,  types  of  thee. 

Mark,  my  Polly,  how  the  roses 
Emulate  thy  damask  cheek  ; 

How  the  bud  its  sweets  discloses — 
Buds  thy  opening  bloom  bespeak. 

Lilies  are  by  plain  direction 

Emblems  of  a  double  kind  ;  ' 

Emblems  of  thy  fair  complexion , 
Emblems  of  thj  fairer  mind. 

But,  dear  girl,  both  flowers  and  beauty 
Blossom,  fade,  and  die  away : 

Then  pursue  good  sense  and  duty  ; 
Evergreens    which  ne'er  decay  ! 

SECTION  X. 

Monosyllahles  continued. 

3  [      2 

Act,  n.  a  deed,  exploit ;  v.  to    Blank,  n.  void  space 
do,  perform 


Add,  V.  to  join  to 
And,  conj.   a  particle   which 
joins  sentences  and  words 
Apt,  a.  ready,  quick 
Ask,  V.  to  entreat,  to  inquire 
Bad,  a.  wicked,  imperfect 
Bed,  n.  a  place  to  sleep  on 
Beg,  V.  to  ask  earnestly 
Belt,  n.  a  girdle,  sash 
Bench,  n.  a  seat  to  sit  on 
Bend,  V.  to  crook ;  to  subdue 
Bilge,  V.  to  spring  a  leak 
Bill,  n.  the  beak  of  a  fowl ;  a 
written  paper  ;  an  account 
of  particulars  , 


paper 

unwritten 
Bliss,??,  happiness,  great  joy 
Blunt,  a.  dull ;  unpolite 
Brag,  V.  to  boast,  swagger 
Bran,  n.  the  husks  of  ground 

corn 
Brass,  n.  a  yellow  metal 
Breadth,  n.  the  measure  from 

side  to  side 
Breath,  n.   air  drawn  in  and 

discharged  by  the  lungs 
Brick,  n.  a  mass  of  burnt  clay 
Bridge,  n.     a    building   over 

water  for  the  convenience 

of  passing 
Bring,  v.  to  fetch,  to  conduct 


84 


THE  AMERICAiN  INSTRUCTER. 


Br  'sk,  a.  lively,  gay,  quick 
Bud,  n.  the   first  shoot    of  a 
plant  or  tree  [ter 

Bunch,  n.  a  hard  lump,  a  clus- 
Buzz,  V.  to  hum  like  bees 
Can,  V.  to  be  able ;  n.  a  cup 
Cap,  n.  cover  for  the  head 
Cash,  n.  money,  ready  money 
Cask,  n,   a  barrel 
Cast,  V.  to  throw,  to  fling 
Cat,  n.  a  domestick  animal 
Ca?ch,  V.  to  seize,  ensnare 
Champ,  V.  to  bite,  chew 
Chance,  n.  fortune,  accident 
C/iasm,  n.  cleft,  gap,  opening 
Chat,  V.  to  converse,  talk 
Chest,  n.  a  large  box  of  wood 
Chin,  n.    lowest  part  of  the 

face 
Church,^,  a  place  of  worship; 
the      collective     body    of 
christians 
Churn,  n.  a  kind  of  vessel  in 

which  butter  is  made 
Clan,  «.  a  family,  race,  sect 
Class,  n.  a  rank,  order,  degree 
Cleanse,  v.  to  make  clean 
Clinch,  V.  to  hold  fast 
Cling,  y.  to  twine  round 
Club,    71.  a    heavy    stick ;   a 

society 
Crush,    V.    to    squeeze  ;     to 
bruise  •  [cripples 

Crunch,  n.  a  support  used  by 
Cull,  V.  to  select  from  others 
Cup,  11.  a  drinkii;^  vessel 
Dead,  a.  deprived  of  life 
Dearth,  n.  scarcity,  faniiuc 
Death,  n.  extinction  of  life 
Dc6t,  w.  what  is  another's  just 

duo 
Deck,  w.  to  dress,  adorn  ;  n. 
f!if  floor  of  a  ship 


Diich,  n.  a  trench 
Dread,  n.  fear,  awe 
Dress,  n.  clothes,  garmenii 
Drip,  V.  to  fall  in  drops 
Duck,  n.  a  water-fowl 
Dull,  a',  stupid  ;  blunt 
Dum/>,  a.  speechless,  siieiit 
Dusk,   n.  tendency   to   dark- 
ness 
Dust,    n.    small    particles   of 

dried  earth 
Earth,   n.  the   globe  we  live 

on,  land,  soil 
Edg^-,  n.  the  sharp  part  of  an 

instrument' 
Elk,  n.  a  large  wild  animal  of 

the  stag  kind 
Ell,  n.  a  measure  of  one  yard 

and  a  quarter 
Elm,  n.  tlie  name  of  a  tree 
End,  ".  conclusion,  death 
Err,  /'.  to  mistake,  stray 
Fact,  n.  reality 
Fast,  a,  firm,  innnoveable  ;  h' 

to  abstain  I'rom  food 
Fat,  a.  the  oily  part  of  llesh 
Fen,  n.  a  marsh,  bog 
Feuce,  n.  a   guard,  security, 

hedge 
Fib,  n.  a  lie,  falseliood 
Fill,  7).  to  make  full 
Film,  n.  a  thin  skin 
Fish,  »..  an  animal  that   inha- 
bits the  water 
Fix,  V.  to  place,  determine 
Flash,  V.   to  blaze  ;  n.  a  sud- 
den blaze 
Flat,  a.   smooth,  level 
Flax,  n.  the   plant  of  which 

linen  is  made 
%Fh'sh,  //.  a  part  of  tiie  animal 
body  [back 

Flinch,  V.  to  shrink   or  dra'^' 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTERv 


3S 


Fling,  V  to  throw,  cast 
Flint,*;?,  a  hard  kind  of  stone 
Frank,  a.  liberal,  open,   sin- 
cere 
Fresh,  a.  not  salt,  now     [ion 
Fr/ond,  u.  a  familiar  compan- 
Friiig<3,  ??.  ornamenlal  appen- 
dages 
run,  ?2.  sport,  mirth 
Fund,   n.  a  stock  or  bank  of 

money 
Fur,  n.  the   fine  soft  hair    of 

beasts 
Gag,  V.  to  stop  the  mouth 
Gang,  n.  a  company,  crew 
Gash,  77.  a  cut  or  wound 
Gem,  n.  a  jewel 
Get,  [g  hard]  r.   to   procure, 

t<i  gain 
f iiVost,  Ji.  a  spiiii,  apparition 
(iift,  [g  hardj  n.  u  thing  given 
Gild^  [g  hard]  v.  to  wash  over 

with  gold 
Girl,  [gerl  j  n.  a  female  child, 

young  womi-u 
Give,  [g  hard]  v,  to  bestow 
Glad,  .7.  pleased,  cheerful 
Ghiss,  >i.  an  artificial  transpa- 
rent substance 
Glib,  a.  smooth,  quick 
Ghmpse,  n.  a  faint  liglit 
6rnat,  n.  a  small  stinging   in- 
sect 
Grand,  a.  splendid,  noble 
Grant,  ?i.  to  give,  admit,  be- 
stow 
Grasp,  .v.  to  hold  in  the  hand, 

to  gripe 
Gra^,  n.  food  for  cattle 
Grjfia,  a.  ill-looking,  horrible 
Grit,  n.  sand,  rough  hard  par-' 

tides 
Grudge,  n.  envy,  ill  will 


Gwess,  V.  to  conjecture 
Gwest,  n.  one  who   is   enter-- 

tained 
Gulf,  n.  a  bay  ;  an  abyss 
Gum,  «.  the  substance  enclos- 
ing the  teeth  ;  the  juice  of 
trees 
Gun,  ?}.  a  musket,  cannon, &c. 
Gush,  V.  to  rush  out  with  vio- 
lence 
Hand,  71.  a  part  of  the  body  ; 

the  palm  with  the  fingers 
Hat,  /I,  a  cover  for  the  head 
Have,  V.  to  possess,  enjoy 
Head,  n.  the  part  that   con- 
tains the  brain  ;  a  chief 
Health,  n.  freedom  from  sick- 
ness [bushes 
Hedge,   n.    a  fence  made   oi 
Help,  IK    lo  assist ;    n.  assis- 
'   tance,  aid 

Helve,  w.  t!ie  handle  of  an  axe 
Hem,  n.  the   edge   of  a   gar- 
ment 
Hemp,  n.  a  plant  from  which 

ropes  are  made 
Hence,  ad.  from  this  place 
Herd,  n.  a  flock,  drove 
Hill,??,  an  elevation  of  ground, 

high  land 
Hilt,  17,  the  handle  of  a  sword 
Hinge,  n.  a  joint  on  which  a 

door  turns 
Hint,  n.  a    remote   allusion, 

suggestion,  intimation 
Hiss,  n.  noise  made  by  a  ser- 
pent ;  expression   of  con- 
tempt 
Hi^ch,  V.  to  move  by  jerks 
Hug,  V.  to  embrace  fondly 
Hulk,  n.  the  body  of  a  ship 
Hull,  n.  a  husk,  pod,  outside ; 
the  body  of  a  ship 


U6 


/-HE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


lum,  V.  to  sing  low,  to  buzz 
ilunt,  V.  to  chase,  pursue 
Hurl,  r.    to   throw   with  vio- 
lence 
Hurt,  I',  to  injure,  wound 
Hush,  ih(.  silence  !  be  still  ! 
T .  to  quiet,  appease 
'''Hut,  n.  a  poor  cottage,  mean 
.  abod''> 
Hym?^,  n.  a  divine  or  holy  song 
111,  a.  bill  in  any  respect ;  sick 
Inch,   )i.    tiiC  twelfth  part  of" 

a  foot 
Ink,  71. .-'.  liquid  to  write  with 
Jerk,  ;;.  a  sudden  jolt 
Jest,  71.  a  joke,  any  thing  lu- 
dicrous 
Jet,  n.  a  very  black  fossil 
Jig,  ?/.  a  quick    lance 
Judge,  n.  fine  who  j)resides  in 
a  c  )urt  ;    v.   to    pass  sen- 
tence, decide 
Jump,  V.  to  leap,  skip 
Just,  a.  upright,  honest 
Kick,  «.  a  bl(jw  with  (he  foot ; 

V.  10  strike  with  the  foot 
Kid,M.  a  yuung  goat 
King,  n   a  monarch,  chief  ru- 
ler 
Klick,  V.   to   make    a    small 

sharp  noise 
Knit,   V.    to   unite,  join  ;  to 

make  stocku)g  work 
Lack,  V.  to  be  in  want,  to  be 

witliout 
Lad,  n^a  boy,  youth 
Lag,  1'.  to  .'oiter,   stay  behind 
Lam6,  n.  a  young  sheep 
Lamp,  n.  h  vessel  which  con- 
.    taii.  '^iland  wick  for  burn- 
ing 
Lance,  n.  a  long  spear  ;  v.  to 
pierce.  10  cut 


Land,  n.  ground,  a  country 
Lank,  a.  loose,  not  filled  up 
Lash,  71.  part  of  a  whip 
Lass,  71.  a  girl,  young  woman 
Last,  a.  latest ;  v.  to  contin- 
ue ;  n.  the  mould  on  which 

shoes  are  formed        [door 
La<ch,   n.    a   fastening  for  a 
Lecd,  n.  soft  heavy  metal 
Learn,  v.  to  gain  knowledge 

improve 
Left,  a.  opposite  the  right 
Lend,  v.  to  grant  the  use  of 

any  thing 
Length,  «.  the  extent  of  any 

thing  from  end  to  end 
Less,  ad.  in  a  sm;iller  degree 
Lest,  C071J.  for  fear  that 
Let,  V.  to  allow,  to  suffer  ;  te 

hire  out 
Lid,  71.  a  cover 
Lift,  V.  to  raise,  elevate 
himb,   n.  a    member,  joint, 

bough 
Limp,  V.  to  walk  lamely 
Link,  n.  part  of  a  chain  ;  v.  to 

unite,  join 
Lint,  n.  linen  scraped  soft 
Lip,  n.   the  outer  part  of  the 

mouth 
Lisp,  V.  to  clip  words  in  their 

pronunciation 
List,  n.  a  catalogue,  a  roll ;  a 

strip  of  cloth 
Live,  V.  to  be  in  a  state  of  life, 

to  exist 
I-,uck,  n.  chance,  fortune 
Lug,  V.  to  pull  or  carry  with 

difficulty  ' 

Lull,  X'.  to  compose  to  sleep 
Lump,n.  a  heap,  a  whole  piece 
Lungs,  n.  the  organs  of  respi 

ration 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


3T 


Lynx,  n.  a  spotted  beast 
Mad,    a.    disordered   in   the 

mind 
Man,  n.  the  mnle  of  the   hu- 
man species 
Map,  71.  a  delineation  of  coun- 
tries [face 
Mask,  n.    a  disguise   for  the 
Mass,  n.  a  lump,  a  body 
Mast,   n.    the     beam    raised 
above  the  vessel  to  which 
the  sail  is  fixed 
Ma^ch,  n.    a    contest ;    mar- 
riage ;  that  which   catches 
fire 
Melt,  IK  to  dissolve 
Mend,  v.  to  repair,  improve 
Mess,  n.  a  dish  or  portion  of 

food 
Milk,  n.  the  liquor  with  which 

animals  feed  their  young 
Mill,  n.    an    engine   to  grind 

with 
Mince,  V.  to  cut  very  small 
Mint,  n.  a  place  for  coining  ; 

a  plant 
Mirth,  [nierth]   n.  merriment 
Miss,  V.  not  to  hit ;  n.  a  young 

or  unmarried  woman 
Mist,  n.  fog,  fine  rain,  a  low 

thin  cloud 
Mix,  V.  to  mingle,  unite 
Much,  71.  a  great  deal  ;  ad.  in 

a  great  degree 
Mud,  n.  wet  dirt,  mire 
Muft',  n.  a  soft  cover  for  the 
hands  [out  of 

JMug,  n.  a   cup  used  to  drink 
Must,  V.  to  be  obliged 
Nap,  «.  a  short  sleep,  slumber 
Neck,  72.  a  part  of  the  body 
Nerve,  n.  an  organ  of  sensa- 
tion 


Nest,  n.   an   abode ;    a  bed 
formed  by  a  bird  for  her 
^  yoimg 
Net,  n.  a  texture  for  catching 

fish,  birds,  &c.^ 
Next,  a.  nearest  in  place  : 

Nip,  v.  to  pinch,  to  bite 
Num6,  a.  torpid,  cold,   chill; 

7;.  to  make  numb,  stupify 
Nurse,  n.  one  who  takes  care 

of  a  sick  person 
Pack,   77.    a   large  bundle ;  a 
set  of  cards  ;  v.  to  bind  up 
for  carriage 
Pan,  n.  a  kitchen  vessel ;  part 

of  the  lock  of  a  gun 
Pang,  77.  extreme    or  sudden 
pain  [earnestly 

Pant,  7'.    to  palpitate,  to  wish 
Pass,  V.  to  go  beyond  ;  to  en- 
act a  law  ;  to  be  current 
Pat,  V.  to  strike  lightly  ;  ?7.  a 

light  blow 
Pa^ch,z).  to  piece,  to  mend 
Pefl-rl,  77.  a  precious  gem 
Peck,  77.  the  fourth  part  of  a 

bushel 
Peg,  77.  a  wooden  pin      [with 
Pen,  77.  an  instrument  to  write 
Pert,  a.  brisk,  lively 
Pest,  7».  a  plague,  mischief 
Pet,  77.  a  slight  displeasure 
Pick,  V.  to  choose,  select  • 
Pig,  77.  a  young  hog         [cine 
Pill,  n.  a  small  ball  of  medi 
Pin,  77.  a  short  pointed  wire 
Pinch,  V.  to  squeeze 
Pink,    n.     a    small    fragrant 
flov/er  [part 

Pit,  77.  a  hole,  grave,  hollow 
Pith,    77.     marrow,    strength, 

principal  part 
Plan,  77.  a  scheme,  form  , 

/ 


THE  AMERICA  A"    i-N.  TiUCTER. 


Plank,  n.  a  thick  board ;  v.  to  |  Quit,  v.  to  leave  ;  discharge 


lay  with  plank 
Plant,  n.  a  vegetable  jnorlirc-^' 

tion 
Pledg;e,  n.  a  pawn 
Plug,  it.  a  stopple 
Plum,  71.  a  kind  of  fruit 
Plumt,  n.  a  leaden  wcifrht  on 

a  line  ;  v.  to  regulate 
Plunge,    V.    to    put  suddenly 


Hack,  u.  an  engine  of  torture; 

a  frame  for  iiay 
Run,  n.  a  lloat  of  timber 
Rag,  /?.  a  worn-out  piece    af 

cloth 
Ilauk,  a.  strong  scented  ;   n. 

a  line  of  men  ;  a  degree  of 

dignity  ;  v.    to    place  in  a 

row 
Rap,  n.  a  quick  smart  blow 


under  water 
Prank,  n,  frolick,  wicked  deed  I  Rasii,  a.  hasty 
Press,  V.  to  squeeze,  to  crush; !  Rasji,  n.  a  large  rough  fde 

«.an  instrument  for  pressing   Rat,  ;i.  a  small  animal   of  the 
Prince,  n.    a   sovereign,  the       mouse  kind 

son  of  a  king  Re«lm,  n.  a  kingdom,  state 

Print,  n.  a  mark  made  by  im-   Rend,  v.  to  tear  with  violei'cc 

pression;  xk  to  mark  by  im-  Rent,  n.  money  paid  for  any 


pression 
Puff,  I',  to  blow,  to  swell  with 

wind 
Pulp,  n.  the  soft  part  of  fruit ; 

any  soft  mass 
Pulse,  n.  the  motion  of  any  ar- 
tery as  the  blood  is  driven 
through  it 
Pumj>,  n.  a  water  engine ;  a 
.kind  of  shoe  ;  v.  to  work  a 

pump 
Purge,  V.  to  cleanse,  purify 
Purr,  V.  to  murmur  as  a  cat 
Pursc.«.a  small  bag  for  money 
Quack,  n.  a  vain  boastful  pre- 
tender to    physick ;    v,    to 
cry  like  a  duck 
Quell,  V.  to  crush,  subdue 
Quench,  v.  to  extinguish 
Quick,  a.  nimble,  active 
Quill,  /;.  the  hard  and  strong 

feather  of  the  wing 
Quilt,  n.  cover  of  a  bed  ;  ?'.  to 

stitch  two  cloths  together 
Quiij'-';,  V.  a  tree  an(i  its  fruit 


thing  held  of  another,  in- 
come 

Rest,  n.  peace,  sleep,  ease  ; 
V.  to  be  at  ease 

Rich,  a.  wealthy ;  fertile 

Ridge,  n.  the  upper  part  of  a 
slope,  tlie  top 

Rill,  n.  a  small  brook,  "^  stream 

Rim,  n.  boi-dei , edge 

Ring,  V.  to  sound  ;  ;*.  a  clr- 
<j|e  ;  oimmont ;  a  sound 

Rinsr,  t\  to  cleanse  by  water 

Rip,  V.  to  tear 

Risk,  V.  to  hazard  ;  n.  dan- 
ger, hazard 

Rough,  a.  uneven,  rugged 

Rub,  v.  to  clean,  scour,  wipe 

Rum,  n.  a  kind  of  ardent 
spiiits 

Run,  V.  to  move  swiftly 

Rush,  V.  to  Jpovc  with  vio- 
lence; w.  If- plant 

Rusk,  n.  a  kind  of  hard  bread 

Rust,  n.  the  red  incrustation 
of  iron,  &c, 


THE  /\MK.;tl04N  I\-5rRUCTER.  39 

Sad,  a,  sorrowful.  <ja]5.  g?oo- |  Scra/ch,  r.  to  tear   with   the 

my  i      'I'-ii's 

Sand,  n.  soft  graveUy  oartli     j  Sciilk,   v.    to    lurk  secretly, 


Sap,  n.  the  iuico  of  vegf^to- 
bles  [windov 

Sash,  n.   a   bclf  ;    part  of  a 

Scalp,  n.  th-e  skin  aiul  flesh 
on  thp  scull  [rately 

Scan.    V.    to    examine    accu- 


hide 

Scull,  n,  the  brain-pan 
Search, r.  to  examine,  explore 
Sell,  V.  to  part  with  for  a  price 
Sense,  ?i.   faculty  of  perceiv- 
ing ;  understanding;  mean- 


Scent,  n.  sniell,  odour  ■      nig 

'Schism,  n.   a    division   in  the  I  Serve,  o     to    attend  at  com- 
church  !      mand,  obey 

SECTION  XI.  . 

........       ^^^^  Beading. 

Reading  may  Vje  considered  as  the  key  which  com- 
mands our  entrance,  and  gives  us  access  to  the  various 
departments  of  science  and  literature.  It  enlarges  the 
sphere  of  observation,  and  afibrds  abundant  materials 
for  exercising  the  faculties  of  tlie  mind- 

Among  all  people  distinguished  for  tlieir  refinements 
and  civilization,  the  most  prevalent  and  important  art  is 
that  of  readinifr.  The  improvement  of  the  mind,  the 
cultivation  of  taste,  and  the  acquisition  of  knowledge, 
are  the  advantages  derived  from  this  art. 

From  reading  we  are  made  ocquainU'd  with  the  pass- 
ing events  and  occurrences  in  various  parts  of  the  world 
and  are  enabled  to  repeat  the  sentiments  of  those  whc 
have  existed  in  former  times. 

It  brings  to  view  the  scenes  of  departed  years,  an' 
exhibits  the  rise  and  fall,  and  the  revolutions  of  the  ar 
cient  communities  of  mankind  ;  and  oflers  to  our  rf 
flection  all  the  most  important  circumstances  connecte 
■with  the  improvement  of  human  society. 
'  -As  reading  has  a  great  influence  in  guiding  the  opi  - 
ions  and  sentiffients  of  young  persons,  it  is  of  great  ir 
portance  that  they  read  books  in  which  things  are  re 
resented  in  tlielr  true   colours ;  that  they  properly  di 
crirninale  b<nv  i<mi  lom'ancc  and  reality  ;  'v>\d  that  thi 


4|^  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

r^ect  upon  tJie  substance  of  what  theyjead.  and  draw 
suitable  inferences  from  the  same. 

To  have  good  books,  and  to  be  able  to  read  theiu 
well,  IS  a  great  ^ivilege.  They  make  us  both  wiser 
and  better :  they  instruct  us  in  our  dutj',  and  teach  us 
how  to  beliave  ourseh  es.  They  comfort  us  in  our  dis- 
tresses and  afiiictions. 

They  pass  away  our  leisure  hours  pleasantly  and 
usefully ;  and  the  amusement  which  they  aftbrd,  is 
cheaper  than  almost  any  other.  They  arc  true  friends, 
excellent  counsellors,  and  agreeable  companions. 

Be  careful  to  read  with  attention.  When  you  are 
reading,  do  not  be  thinking  of  any  thing  else.  People 
who  read  without  thhiking  what  they  are  reading  about, 
lose  their  time  :  and  they  cannot  be  the  wiser,  or  the 
better,  for  what  they  read. 

Reflect  upon  what  you  liave  read,,  or  heard  other  peo- 
ple read  ;  and  if  you  ha\  e  a  proper  opportunity,  con- 
verse upon  it.  To  relate  what  you  have  read,  or  heard, 
is  the  best  way  to  help  you  to  remember  it. 

It  may  afford  many  ufeful  and  pleasant  subjects  of 
conversation  ;  and  it  may  often  jjrevent  quarrelling,  tel- 
ling idle  tales,  silly  Joking,  and  talking  scandal.  In  or- 
der to  remember  any  particular  passages  in  a  book, 
read  them  over  several  times. 

When  you  have  finished  reading  a  book,  consider, 
before  you  begin  another,  what  you  have  learned  from 
it  that  is  useful,  and  most  worthy  of  being  remembered. 
If  it  contained  an  account  of  good  persons,  or  actions, 
consider  whether  you  have  done  jour  best  to  imitate 
them. 

If  it  instructed  you  in  any  particular  duty,  consider 
whether  you  have  done  your  best  to  practice  it.  A  lit- 
tle in  this  way  is  more  improving,  than  many  volumes, 
however  excellent  in  themselves,  read  over  in  a  hasty, 
careless  manner. 

Letnothing  tempt  you  to  read  a  bad  book  of  any  kifnd. 
It  is  better  not  to  read  at  all,  than  to  read  bad  book*. 
A  bad  book  it  is  truly  said,  "  Is  the  worst  of  thieves;" 
it  robs  us  of  time,  money,  and  principles. 


I'ME  AMERICAN  tN'STllUCTER.  '     41 

SECTION  XII. 

Manlcind  are  dependant  on  each  otJic,-. 

O  CfliLD  of  humanity!  thou  ovvest  thy  cunvenleuce, 
thy  security,  thy  eiijoymeiit  of  the  comforts  and  pleas- 
,ures  of  life,  to  the  assistance  of  others.  Rejoice  then 
in  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  tiiy  neip-hbour. 

Open  not  thy  ear  to  slander  ;  the  fanlts  and  the  fail- 
ings of  men  give  pain  to  a  benevolent  heart.  Desire  to 
do  good,  and  search  out  occasions  for  it  :  in  removinc; 
the  oppression  of  anotlier,  the  virtuous  laiwA  relic vesv 
itself. 

Shut  not  tliine  lUr  against  the  cries  of  the  poor,  nor 
harden  thy  heart  against  the  calamities  of  the  innocent. 
When  the  fatherless  call  upon  thee,  when  the  widow'c 
heart  is  sunk,  and  she  implores  thy  assistance  v>ith  tears; 
of  sorrow  -,  pity  their  affliction,  and  extend  lUy  hand  to 
those  who  have  none  to  help  them. 

When  thou  seest  the  naked  wanderer  in  the  street, 
shivering  with  cold,  and  destitute  of  habitation,  let 
bounty  open  thy  heart,  let  tlie  wings  of  charity  shelter 
him  from  death,  that  thy  own  soiil  m,ay  live. 

Whilst  the  poor  man  groans  on  the  bed  of  sickness; 
whilst  the  unfortunate  languish  in  the  horroiirs  of  a  dun- 
geon ;  or  the  hoary  head  of  age  lifts  up  a  feeble  eye  t(> 
thee  for  pity  ;  how  canst  thou  riot  in  superliaous  enjoy- 
ments, regardless  of  their  want?,  unfeeling  oi'their  «.voes  f 

SECTiON.XLIL 
Address  from  a  Teacher  to  h&flPupiL;,  on  ike  itseful- 

ness  of  learning.: 
My  YOUiNG  PUPILS,  unless  you  Ir.ive  an  Inclination 
for  learning,  uiiless  you  feel  ambitious  to  be  as  forward 
as  any  in  your  class,  all  my  endeavours  to  instriict  j'^ou, 
will  be  vain  and  useless.  The  youth  -a  lioso  mind  is  de- 
voted to  plays  and  diversions,  and  who  slr.dies  his  les- 
sons  merely  from  a  fear  of  correction,  will  learn  but 
litt^*^ :  and  the  little  he  does  learn,  will  soon  be  forgot 
ten, 

a* 


42  THE  AMERICAN  INSTIllJtTER. 

I  hope,  howevf'i-,  that  I  shall  never  be  driven  to  the 
painful  necessity  of  compelling  3  ou  by  correction  to  at- 
tend to  your  studies.  It  will  l)e  mucli  more  agreeaWe 
to  me.  much  more  to  my  credit  as  a  faithful  instructer, 
and  much  more  to  your  honour  as  scholars,  to  have  you 
attend  to  your  studies  from  a  love  of  learninij;,  and  u 
laudable  ambition  to  excel  each  other  in  tho?;e  branches 
of  literature,  to  which  your  atteiition  may  from  time 
to  time  be  directed. 

At  present  you  are  unacquainted  with  the  world,  and 
do  not  foresee  the  advantages  you  will  hereafter  derive- 
from  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  .English  Ijanguage, 
a  competent  skill  in  Arithmetick,  ^((|id  from  being  abh; 
to  write  a  plain  and  handsome  h:nid.  To  point  out  the 
advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  above  branches  of 
learning,  is  the  object  of  the  following  observations. 

You  are  all  possessed  of  some  kind  of  ambition.  In 
your  amusements,  one  feels  a  jiride  that  he  is  the  swift- 
est runner  ;  another,  that  he  is  the  most  expert  \\  restler  ; 
and  another,  that  he  can  sling  a  stone  ihe  farthest,  or 
best  hit  the  mark. 

And  why  are  you  pleased  with  excelling  in  these  lit- 
tle amusements  ?  Because  it  is  natural  to  youth,  as  well 
as  men,  to  be  pleased  with  superiority ;  because  there  is  a 
delight  in  being  noticed,  and  often  spoken  of  with  praise. 

But,  to  be  a  swift  rnnner  or  an  expert  wrestler,  are 
objects  of  small  importance ;  if,  therefore,  excelling  in 
these  trifling  anuisemeiUs,  aflbrds  you  pleasure,  or  gra- 
tifies your  pride,  how  much  more  grateful  and  pleasing 
"must  it  be  to  excel  you^  mates  in  reading,  writing,  and 
arithmetick  ;  which  are  objects  of  importance,  and  will 
never  fail  of  afTordinj^  pleasure,  and  of  adding  to  your 
prosperity,  usefulness,  and  respectability  in  the  world. 

Although  you  are  young  at  present,  the  time  will 
shortly  arrive  when  you  must  provide  and  act  for  your- 
selves. None  of  you  know  where  30U  vill  hereafter 
live,  or  what  business  you  may  follow  for  a  livelihood  ; 
but  wherever  you  live,  or  whatever  business  you  pur- 
sue, learning  will  be  of  immense  advantage. 

Such  h  the  disposition  of  mankind,  so  ready  are  many 


THK    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  43 

of  them  to  take  the  advr.nfage  of  tlie  inilearned  ana  un- 
experienced, that  the  yoiuli  who  is  left  without  learning, 
to  act  and  provide  for  himself,  will  meet  with  many  dif- 
ficulties, feel  many  embarrassments,  and  be  liable  to  a 
thousand  impositions,  to  which  those  who  are  possessed 
ofa  good  common  school  education  will  not  be  subjected. 

In  every  Town,  County,  and  State  in  America,  are 
offices  of  honour  and  profit,  which  some  of  you,  as  you 
arrive  to  the  age  of  manhood,  will  be  called  upon  to 
fill.  Most  of  these  offices  require  men  who  are  able  to 
read  well,  to  write  a  fair  hand,  and  who  understand  the 
use  of  figures. 

Those  of  you  who  pay  attention  to  j-our  books,  who 
not  only  learn  to  read,  but  to  understand  what  you 
read,  who  learn  the  rules  of  arithmetick,  and  understand 
how  to  apply  them  in  practice,  will  be  the  ones  most 
likel}'  to  be  promoted. 

At  present,  I  am  happy  to  see  you  inspired  with  a 
le"<iable  ambition  to  excel  each  other  in  learning.  Will 
you  not  have  the  same  ambition  hereafter,  as  it  respects 
your  rank  and  situation  in  the  world  ?  If  you  shoidd, 
let  me  inform  you,  that  a  diligent  improvement  of  your 
present  opportunity  for  learning,  is  the  only  way  in 
which  you  can  expect  promotion  in  society. 

The  youth  vvlio  is  inattentive  to  his  books,  and  re- 
gards not  tlie  lessons  and  admonitions  of  his  instructer, 
is  seldom  afteiwards  respected.  He  is  considered  as  a 
dull,  stupid,  ignorant  fellow,  unqualified  for  the  exer- 
cise of  any  profitable  or  useful  employment. 

My  young  friends,  it  is  not  only  for  your  interest  to 
attend  with  diligence  to  your  studies,  but  it  is  a  sacred 
duty  which  30U  owe  to  yourselves,  your  parents,  your 
country,  and  your  God. 

To  yourselves,  as  it  will  increase  your  happiness ;  to 
your  parents,  as  it  will  be  the  most  grateful  return  you 
can  make  them  for  the  pains  and  expense  they  bestow 
on  your  education  ;  to  your  country,  as  it  will  enable 
you  to  reward  her  for  the  protection  she  affords  you  ; 
and  to  your  God,  as  it  will  render  you  more  capable  of 
fulfilling  the  grand  objects  of  your  creation. 


44 


THE  AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


SECTION  XIV. 

Monosyllables  continued. 

2 

Set,  V.  to  place,  put ;  n.  a 
number  of  th'<n»'fs  suited  to 
each  other 

Sex,  n.  the  distinction  betwixt 
male  and  female 

Shad,  n.  a  species  of  fish 

Shaft,  n.  an  arrow,  weapon 

Sham,  n.  delusion,  fraud 

Shed,  ».  a  building,  shelter  ; 
V.  to  spill,  to  scatter 

Shell,  71,  a    hard  covering 

Shrill,  a.  giving  a  piercing 
sound 

Shun,  V.  to  avoid,  decline 

Shut,  V.  to  close,  bar,  confine 

Sick,  a.  afflicted  with  disease 

Sieve,  n.  a  bolter,  thing  used 
to  sift  with 

Sift,  V.  to  separate  by  a  sieve 

Silk,  71.  the  thread  of  the  silk- 
worm, the  stuff  made  of  it 

Sin,  n.  a  violation  of  the  laws 
of  God ;  V.  to  transgress 
the  laws  of  God 

Sing,  V.  to  form  the  voice  to 
melody  ;  to  articulate  mu- 
sically • 

Singe,  V.  to  scorch,  burn 

Sink,  V.  to  go  down,  settle 

Sip,  V.  to  drink  by  small 
draughts 

Sit,  V.  to  rest  on  a  seat 

Six,  a.  twice  three 

Sketch,  n.  the  outlines 

Skiff,  n.  a  small  light  boat 

Skill,  n.  knowledge  of  any 
practice  or  art 

Skip,  -c).  to  leap  ;  to  miss 

(Skirt,  [skcrt]  n.  tlic  edge,  bor- 
der 


Slash,  r,  to  cut;  to  lash 
Sled,  n.  a    carriage    without 

wheels 
Slim,  a.  slender 
Smell,  V.  to  jiorceive  by  means 
of  the  nose  ;  /<,  scent,  odour 
Smith,  n.  one  who  worlcs  in 

metals 
Sna/ch,  v.  to  seize  hastily 
Snuff,  n.   powdered  tobacco  ; 
the  burnt  wick  of  a  candle 
Speck,  n,  a  small  spot,  a  stain 
Spell,  V.  to  form  words  of  let- 
ters 
Spdl,  V.  to  shed,  to  waste 
Spin,    V.   to    draw    out    into 

threads 
Split.  V.  to  cleave,  divide 
Spread,  v.  to  extend,  cover 
Sprig,  }i.  a  small  branch 
Spring,   n.    a  season   of  the 
year ;  a  fountain,  a  source 
Stabj^u.  to  pierce  with  a  point- 
ed weapon 
Stack,  71.  a  large  pile  of  hay, 

corn,  &c. 
Staff,  n.  a  walking  stick 
Stand,  V.  to  be  on  the  (oetj  to 

sto}) ;  71.  a  station,  stop 
Start,  V.  to  move   suddoidy  ; 
n.  \hi-  act  of  setting  out ;  a 
motion  of  terrour 
Step,  r.  to  move  the  feet,   to 

walk  ;  }>.  a  footstep 
Stick,  V.  to    fasten,  adhere  ; 

??.  apiece  of  wood 
Still,  r.  to  silence  ;  n.  a  ves- 
sel for  distillation  ;  a.   si- 
lent ;  ad.  till  now,  to  this 
time 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


45 


Strength,  n.  force,  vigour 
Stress,  71.  force,  importance 
Stretch,  v.  to  extend,  expand 
Strict,  a.  severe,  close,  exact 
String,  n.  a  slender  rope,  cord 
Such,  pro.  of  that  kind 
Sum,    n.    the    amount  ;   the 
whole  of  any  thing       [day 
Sun,  n.  the  luminary  of  the 
Swell,  V.  to  grow  bigger 
Swift,  a.  speedy,  quick 
Swim,x).  to  float  on  the  water; 

to  be  dizzy 
Tang,  n.  a  strong  taste,  relish 
Tap,  n.  a  gentle  blow,  a  rap  ; 
^     V.  to  touch  softly;  to  broach 
a  vessel 
Task,  n.  something  to  be  done 
imposed   by  another,  em- 
ployment 
Tax,  n,    a  rate,  duty  ;  v.  to 

lay  a  tax 
Tell,  V.  to  utter,  to  relate 
Tempt,  V.   to  entice  to    ill, 

provoke 
Ten,  a.  twice  five 
Tense,  n.   a  variation  of  the 

verb  to  signify  time 
Tent,  n.  a  moveable  habita- 
tion, a  pavilion 
Term,  n.  a  limit ;  the  word  by 
which  a  thing  is  expressed ; 
condition 
Text,  n.  a  sentence  of  scrip- 
ture ;  that  on  which  a  com- 
ment is  made 
Thank,  v.    to  give   or  return 

thanks 
Theft,  n.  the  act  of  stealing 
Thin,  a.  slender,  not  thick 
Thing,  n.    whatever  is;  any 

kind  of  matter 
ThumS,  n;  part  of  the  hand 


Thus,  ad,  in  this  manner 
Touch,  V.  to  reach,  to  join  ; 

n.  the  act  of  touching 
Track,  w.  a  mark  left;  a  beat- 
en path 
Tract,  ??.  a  region  ;  a  quantity 

of  land  ;  a  small  book 
Trap,  n.  a  snare,  ambush 
Trick,  71.  a  cheat,  fraud 
Trim,  a.  nice,  neatly  dressed 
Trunk,  7?.  a  sort  of  chest ;  the 

body  of  any  thing 
Trust,  V.  to  confide  in,  to  be- 
lieve ;  n.  confidence,  credit 
Tub,  n.  a  wooden  vessel 
Turf,  n.  a  clod  covered  with 

grass 
Turn,  V.  to   move   round,  to 
change  [tooth 

Tusk,  n.  a  fang,  a  very  large 
Twelve,  a.  twice  six 
Twig,  71.  a  small  branch 
Urge,  V.   to  incite,  to  solicit, 

to  press 
Vex,  V.  to  provoke,  plague 
Well,  7?.    a  spring,  fountain  ; 

a.  not  sick 
When,  ad.  at  what  time  ;  at 

the  time  that 
Whim,  71.  an  odd  fancy,  freak 
Win,  V.  to  gain  by  conquest 

or  play 
Wing,  ?i.    the  limb  of  a  bird 

by  which  it  flies 
Wish,  V.  to  have  a  strong  de- 
sire ;  71.  a  longing  desire 
Wit,  71.  the   intellect,  sense, 

understanding 
Wren,  n.  a  small  bird 
TFrc^ch,  71.  a    miserable   or 

worthless  person 
Yard,  n     a  measure  of  three 
feet ;  enclosed  ground. 


40 


Tlir  AMHRICAN  IXSTRUCTER. 


Awe,  n.  reverential    fan,  re- 
verence 
Broad,  a.  wide,  large 
Cause,  n.  reason,  motive 
Cha/k,«.  a  kind  of  white  fossil 
Chord,  n.  the  string  of  a  mu- 
sical instrument  [tide 
Clause,  n.  a  sentence,   an  ar- 
Claw,  n.  the  foot  of  a  heast 

or  bird 
Corpse,  n.  a  dead  body 
Crawl,  V.  to  creep,  to   move 
slowly  [light 

Dawn,  V.  to  begin    to    grow 
Drawl,  V.  to  utter  slowly         j 
Fall,  V.  to  drop,  tumble  down 
Fals(^,  a.  not  true,  dishonest 
Fault,  n.  a  crime  ;  defect 
Fawn,  n.  a  young  deer 
Fork,  n.  an   instrument  with 

two  or  more  prongs 
Fraud,  n,  deceit,  cheat 
Gauze,  n.  a  thin  transparent 

silk  or  linen 
(rnaw,  V.  to  bite,   to   oat  by 

degrees 
Hail,  n.  a  mansion  house  ;  a 
large  room  [a  march 

Halt,  V.  to  stop  ;  n.  a  stop  in 
Haul,  V.  to  pull,  to  drag 
Hawk,  n.  a  bird  of  prey 
Horn,  n.  a  hard  substance  on 
the  heads  of  some  animals 
Jaw,  n.  the  bone  of  the  mouth 
in  which  the  teeth  are  pla- 
ced 
Law,  n.  a  rule,  decree,  order 
Lord,  n.  the  Divine  Being;  a 
title  of  honour  [beetle 

Mall,   n.   a  large  hammer  or 
Nor,  conj.  neither,  not  even 
North,  n.  opposite  the  south 
Ought,  V.  to  be  obliged,  should 


Piill,  n.   a  cloak    of  state  ;  a 

covering  for  the  dead 
Paus^',  n.  a  stop 
Phw,  n.  the  foot  of  a  beast 
Pawn,  V.  to  pledge 
Salt,  /?.  a  s'.ibstance  which  af- 
fects  the  taste  and   stimu- 
lates the  palate 
Sauce,   11.    something  to   im- 
prove the  relish  of  food 
Scald,  V.  to  burn  with  hot  li- 
quids [tompt 
Scorn,  V.  to  despise  ;  n.  con- 
Small,  a.  little,  slender 
Squall,  V.  to  scream  suddenly; 

n.  a  sudden  gusl  of  wind 
Stall,  n.    a   place  for  horses 

and  cattle 
Stork,  n.  a  kind  of  bird 
Storm,  n.  a  tempest  ;  assault ; 
V.  to   attack  by  open  force 
Straw,  n.  the  stalk  uf  grain 
Ta/k,  V.    to   speak ;    n.  oral 

conversation 
Tall,  a.  high  in  stature,  lofty 
Thaw,  V.  to  melt,  dissolve 
ThoM^/;t,  n.  the  act  of  think- 
ing, idea 
Wa/k.  V.  to  go  on  foot,  travel 
War,  n.  open  hostility,  fight- 
ing [nish 
Warn,  i\  to    caution,    admo- 
4 

A/m.v,  n.  a  gift  to  the  poor 
Arch,  n.  part  of  a  circle 
Arm,  n.  a  limb  of  the  body 
Art,  //.  skill,  science,  trade 
I5a/m,  n.  the  name  of  a  plant 
Barn,  n.  a  storehouse  used  for 

corn,  hay,  stabling,  ^c. 
Bath,  11.  a  place  to  bathe  in 
Ca/m,   n.  stillness  ;  a.  quiet, 
serene 


THE  A^IERLCAN  L\STRUCT£R. 


41 


Cart,  n.    a   carriage    of  two 
wheels  [or  meat 

Carve,  v.  to  cut  wood,  stone, 
Charge,  v.  to  entrust,  impute 
Cliarm,  v.  to  delii[h{ 
Dark,  a.  without  iight,  blind 
Farm,  n.   land  ocrupicd  by  a 

farmer 
Gward,  v.  to  ^i^■atcil,  protect 
Ha^f,  n.  one  o/two  equal  parts 
Hard,  a.  firm,  solid  ;  rrael 
Hark,  V.  to  listen,  hear 
Haim,  71.  jnjurv,  mischief 
Harp,  ii.  a  musical  instrument 
Hari-.h,  a.  rough,  austere 
Jar,  n.  an  earthen  vessel  ;    a 

harsh  sound 
Large,  a,  b'llky,  big 
Lark,  Tt.  a  sm:'])  singing  bird 
La?/gh,  x>.  1o  make  that  noise 

which  mirth  excites 
La^^nch,  v.  to  push  to  sea,  set 

off 
iViar,  V.  to  injure,  damage 
March,  r.  the  third  month ;  a 

movement    of  soldiers  ;  a 

solemn  walk  or  tune  ;  v,  to 

move  in  a  military  form 
Mark,  n.  a  stamp,  object :  v. 

to  make  a  mark 
Marl,  n,  a  kind  of  clay 
Marsh,  n,  a  swamp,  fen,  bog 
Pa^m,  n.  a  tree  ;  inner  part  of 

the  hand 
Par,  n.  a  state  of  equality 
Parch.   V,  to  scorch,  to  burn 

slightly 
Park,  a,  a  piece  of  ground  en- 
closed for  deei 
Parse,   v.   to  resolve    by  the 

rules  of  grammar 
Part,  ?»,  a  portion,  share;   v. 

to  divide  ;  to  go  away 


Path,  n.  a  footrroad  [song 
Psdlm,  n.  a  kind  of  sacred 
Scarf,  n.  a  loose  covering  for 

the  shoulders 
Shark,  n.  a  ravenous  fish 
Sharp,  a.  keen,  piercing 
Smart, «.  quick,  active,  witty  5 

V.  to  feel  quick  pain 
Snarl,  v..  to  growl  like  a  dog 
Spark,  n.  a  small   particle  of 

fire 
Star,  n.   a    luminous  body  in 
th»^   heavens ;    a   mark    of 
reference  .  [ger 

Starve,  V.  to  perish  with  hun- 
Tar,  n.  liquid  pitch  ;  a  sailor 
Tart,  a.  sour,  acid,  keen 
Yarn,  71.  spun  wool  or  tlax 

3 
Block,  n.  a  short  piece  of  tim- 
ber 
Blot,!',  to  blur,  efface,  stain 
Bond,  71.  A  written  obligation 
Cloth,  n.  ariy  thing  woven  for 

dress 
Cost,  71.  expense,  price 
CoMgh,  n,  a  disorder  of  the 
.    lungs  [craft 

Dodge,  V.  to  fly  from,  to   use 
Dog,  71,  a  domestick  animalj 
Drop,  n.  a   small  quantity  of 
liquid  [rust 

Dross,  «. .  the  scum"  of  metals, 
Fog,  71.  a  tlnck  mist,  vapour 
Fond,  a.  tender,  iiHTch  pleas- 
ed with  * 
Fox,  71.  a  wild  animal  of  the 
dog  kind  [garment 
frock,  n.  a  dress,  outward 
Frog,  71.  an  amphibioi'.s  animal 
Frost,  a.  the  power  or  act  of 

congelation 
Froth,  71.  foam,  spume 


48  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCtSIi 


&  .      5 


Hot,  a.  fiery,  having  heat 
JiCnock,  V.  to  beat,  clash 
KnoX,  n.  a  part  which  is  tied ; 

a  hard  place  in  wood 
Lock,  n.  Dcirt  of  a  door  or  gun; 
u   contrivance  to  raise  the 
water  on  a  canal ;  v.  to  fas- 
ten 


Lodge,   V.   to  place  ;  to  har- 
bour 
Log,  n.  a  piece  of  wood 
Long,  a.  not  short 
Lop,  I',  to  cut  short 
Loss,  w.  damage,  forfeiture 
Lost,  pa.  gone,  perished 
Lot,  n.  state  assigned,  fortune 


SECTION  XV. 

The  danger  of  keeping  Bad  Company. 

The  danger  of  keeping  bad  company,  arises  princi- 
paliy-from  our  aptness  to  imitate  and  catch  the  inanners 
and  sentiments  of  others.  In  our  earliest  youth,  the 
contagion  of  manners  is  observaljle.  *ln  the  boy  yet 
incapable  of  having  any  learning  instilled  into  him,  we 
easil}'  discover  from  his  first  actions,  and  rude  attempts 
at  language,  the  kind  of  persons  with  whom  he  has 
been  brought  up  :  we  see  the  early  spring  of  a  civilized 
education,  or  tlie  first  wild  shoots  of  rusticity. 

As  iie  enters  farther  into  life,  his  behaviour,  manners 
and  conversation,  all  take  their  cast  from  the  company 
he  keeps.  Observe  the  peasant  and  the  man  of  educa- 
tion: die  difierence  is  striking.  And  yet  God  has  be- 
stowed equal  tal^ents  on  each  :  the  only  difierence  is, 
they  have  been  throwi)  into  different  s>Hincs  of  life,  and 
have  had  commerce  with  persons  of  different  stations- 

JVor  are  manners  and  behavrour  more  easily  caught, 
than  opinions  and  princaplct;.  in  childhood  and  youth, 
we  naturally  adopt  the  sentin^ent?  of  those  about  us : 
and  a?  we  advance  in  life,  how  few  of  us  think  far  our- 
selves I  Jiow  many  of  us  '<\re  satisfied  with  taking  our 
opinion;;  at  iseconcl  hand  ! 

The  great  |)ower  and  firre  of  custom  forms  anotl 
argument  against  keeping  bad  coj-npany.  H6wc\'^ 
shocked  we  may  be  nt  the  first  apjircuches  of  vice,  this 
shockinc  appearance  g(»t'?'  off  upon  an  intnnacv  with  it. 
Custom  will  :;  >oa  rrndrT  the  hiost  disgustful  object  fa- 
iniliar  to  oai  .      >  :  and  this' is'indeed  a  kind  provision 


TgK  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  49 

-  *"  ' . 
of  nature,  to  render  labour,  toil,  and  danger,  which  are 
the  lot  of  man,  more  easy  to  him. 

The  raw  soldier,  who  trembles  at  the  first  encounter, 
becomes  a  hardj^  veteran  in  a  few  campaigns.  Habit 
renders  danger  familiar,  and  of  course  indiffei^nt  to  him. 
But  habit,  which  is  intended  for  our  good,  may,  like 
other  kind  appointments  of  nature,  be  converted  into  a 
mischief. 

The  well  disposed  youth,  when  first  entering  into  bad 
company,  is  shocked  at  what  he  sees  and  hears  :  the 
good  principles  which  he  had  imbibed,  ring  in  his  ears 
an  alarming  lesson  against  the  wickedness  of  his  com- 
panions. But,  alas!  this  sensibility  is  of  short  duration: 
the  next  jovial  meeting  makes  the  horrid  picture  of 
yesterday  more  easily  endured. 

Virtue  is  soon  thought  a  severe  rule,  an  mconvenient 
restraint.  A  few  pangs  of  conscience  now  and  then 
whisper  to  him  that  he  once  had  better  thoughts  :  but 
even  these  by  degrees  die  away,  and  he  who  at  first  was 
shocked  even  at  the  appearance  of  vice,  is  formed  by 
custom  into  a  profligate  leader  of  vicious  pleasures. 

Bad  company  should  be  avoided  for  several  reasons ; 
as  it  hinders  religious  improvement,  takes  off  the  heart 
from  God,  gradually  lessens  the  fear  of  sin,  impercepti- 
bly draws  men  into  the  commission  of  iniquity,  and  in 
this  way,  destroys  both  the  usefulness  and  comfort  of 
life. 

It  has  been  the  ruin  of  thousands,  and  tens  of  thou- 
sands. By  it  multitudes  have  been  led  on  to  actions 
and  crimes,  at  the  bare  thought  of  which  they  once  shud- 
dered. By  means  of  evil  company,  they  have  had  their 
minds  filled  with  fears,  and  their  consciences  overwhelm- 
ed with  horrour. 

If,  tlierefoi*e,  you  value  your  credit  and  comfort  in 
life,  your  peace  in  death,  or  your  happiness  in  eternity, 
shun  evil  company.  Oppose  the  first  approaches  of 
sin ;  vigilantly  guard  yourselves  against  the  insidious 
enemy ;  and  abhor  the  very  sound  of  the  ervpression, 
bad  company.  ^ 

5 


S9  THE  AMERtCAN  INSTRUCTEK 

SECTION  XVI. 

True  Pleasure. 

The  man  whose  heart  is  replete  with  pare  and  un- 
affected piety,  who  looks  upon  the  great  Creator  of  the 
universe  in  that  just  atwl  ainiable  light  which  all  his 
works  reflect  upon  him,  cannot  fail  of  tasting  the  subj 
limest  pleasin-e,  in  contemplating  the  stupendous  and 
innumerahle  effects  of  his  infinite  goodness. 

Whether  he  looks  al)road  on  tlie  inoral  or  natural 
worldy  his  reikctions  must  still  be  attended  with  delight^ 
and  the  sense  of  his  own  unworthincss,  so  far  from  les- 
sening, will  increase  his  pleasure,,  while  it  places  the 
forbearing  kindness  and  indulgence  of  his  Creator,  in  a 
still  more  interesting  point  of  view. 

Here  his  mind  may  dwell  upon  tlie  present,  look 
back  to  the  past,  or  stretch  forward  into  futurity,  vvitlr 
equal  satisfaction ;  and  the  more  he  indulges  rontetn- 
plation.  the  higher  will  his  delight  arise.  Such  a  dis- 
position as  this,  seems  to  be  the  most  scQure  foundatiort 
on  which  the  fabrick  of  true  pleasure  can  be  built. 

Next  to  the  veneration  of  the  Supreme  Being,  the 
love  of  human  kind  seems  to  be  the  most  promising 
source  of  pleasufe.  It  is  a  never  failing  one  to  him,, 
who,  possessed  of  this  principle,  enjoys  all  the  pov.'er  of 
indulging  his  benevolence  ;  who  makes  the  superiority 
of  his  fortune,  his  kncrvvledge,  or  his  power,  subservient 
to  the  wants  of  his  fellow  creatures. 

It  is  true  there  are  /ew  whose  power  or  fortenc  is 
--o  adequate  to  the  wants  of  maiikind,  as  to  render  tiiem 
capable  of  performing  acts  of  uni^'ersal  beneficence  ; 
but  a  spirit  of  universal  benevolence  may  be  possessed 
by  all:  the  bounteous  Autlior  of  Nature  has  jiot  pro- 
portioned ihcj^pleasure  to  the  greatness  of  the  effect, 
but  to  the  greatness  of  the  cause. 

The  conieniplatioB  of  the  beauties  of  the  universe, 
the  cordial  enjoyineius  of  friendsliip,  the  tender  delights 
of  love,  and  tiie  rational  pleasures  of  religion,  are  open 
to  all  rnankind  ;  and  each  of  then\  seems  capable  of 
givmg  real  happiness. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  51 

These  being  the  only  foundations  from  which  true 
pleasure  springs,  it  is  no  wonder  that  many  should  be 
4:ompelled  to  say  they  have  not  found  it ;  and  still  cry 
out,  *'  Who  ivill  skoiv  «.s-  any  goodV  They  seek  it  in 
every  way  but  the  right  way  ;  they  want  a  heart  for  de- 
votion, humanity,  and  love,  and  a  taste  for  that  which 
is  truly  beautiful  and  admirable. 

SECTION  XVtt. 

Life  is  a  Flower. 

''  The  blossoms  are  fallen,  and  the  beds  of  flowers 
are  swept  away  by  the  scytlie  of  the  mower."  This  is 
a  scene  to  which  we  are  accustomed  at  the  summer  sea- 
son of  the  year  :  we  see  the  grass  fall  by  the  mower's 
sc3the,  and  the  gay  flcrers  that  adorned  the  meadows,, 
swept  away  unregarded. 

The  green,  the  yellow,  the  crimson,  the  succulent, 
fall  undistinguished  before  the  fatal  instrument  that  cuts 
them  off.  They  are  scattered  on  the  ground,  and  with- 
ered by  the  intense  heat  of  the  day. 

The  blooming  flower  which  stands  the  pride  of  the 
verdant  field,  glowing  in  beautiful  colours,  and  shining 
with  the  dawn  of  the  morning,  ere  the  sun  gains  its  me- 
ridian heiglit,  falls  a  sacrifice  to  the  severing  steel,  and 
fades  in  the  scorching  rays  of  noon. 

Thus  it  is  with  human  life ;  the  thread  is  cut,  and 
man  falls  into  the  silent  tomb.  Nothing  can  ward  q& 
the  fatal  stroke  :  the  aged  and  infirm,  the  blooming 
youth  in  strength  and  vigour,  and  the  weak  and  help- 
less infant,  are  without  distinction  swept  away  by  the 
scythe  of  Death,  the  great  destroyer. 

The  active  youth,  who  in  the  morning  rises  with 
health  and  vivacity,  may  at  noon  lie  pale  and  motion- 
less, at  the  feet  of  this  great  victor ;  and  at  the  setting 
of  the  morrow's  sun,  be  consigned  to  the  dark  and  lone- 
some m.anslon  oi  the  dead. 

Cities  and  nations  are  subject  to  the  same  fate.  How 
soon  js  a  flcnrisJiin-T  town,  depopulated  by  a  pestilential 


£2 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


disease  !     How  soon  is  a  nation  cut  off  by  tlie  raging 
of  a  direful  war ! 

"O!  that  mine  head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes 
"  Were  fountains  flowing  like  tlie  liquid  skies  ; 
"  Then  would  I  give  the  mighty  flood  release, 
.    "And  weep  a  deluge  for  the  human  race." 

SECTION  XVIIl. 

Monosyllables  continued. 


Mob,  n',  a  crowd,  rabble 
Mock,  V.  to  deride,  mimick  ; 

a.  false,  counterfeit 
Mop,  n.   a  utensil   to    clean 

houses 
Moss,    «.    a    substance  that 

grows  on  trees 
Moth,  n.  a  small  insect  that 

eats  cloth 
Nod,  V.  to  bow  the  head 
Not,  ad.  a  word  of  denying 
No<ch,  n.  a  nick ;  v.  to  cut  in 

small  hollows 
Odd,  a.  not  even  ;  strange 
Odds,  n.  inequality,   superi- 
ority 
Of,  [ov]  pr.  concerning 
Off,  ad.   signifying  distance  ; 

from 
On,  pr,  upon  ;  ad.  forward 
Plot,n.  a  conspiracy,  intrigue  ; 

V.  to  contrive,  to  plan 
Pod,  n.   the   husk  or  shell  of 

seeds 
Pond,  n.  a  standing  water  ;  a 

small  lake 
Prong,  n.  a  !)ranch  of  a  fork 
Prop,  n.  a  support ;  v.  to  sus- 
tain, support  [gallon 
Quart,  n.  the  fourth  part  of  a 
Rob,  V.  to  steal,  to  plunder 
Rock,  n.  a  large  mass  of  stone 


Rod,  n.  a  perch,  pole ;  a  twig; 
instrument  of  correction 

Scofl*,  V.  to  laugh  with  scorn, 
to  ridicule 

Shock,  V.  to  shake  ;  to  dis- 
gust; n.  a  concussion;  a 
pile  of  sheaves 

Shop,  n.  a  place  for  the  sale 
of  wares,  or  for  work 

Shot,  n.  small  balls  for  the 
charge  of  a  gun 

Sob,  V.  to  sigh  with  convul- 
sive sorrow ;  n.  a  convul- 
sive sigh 

Sod,  n.  a  turf,  clod 

Soft,  a.  tender,  not  hard 

Solve,  V.  to  explain 

Song,  n.  a  composition  in 
verse  to  be  sung 

Strong,  a.  vigorous,  potent 

Stop,  n.  a  pause;  cessation 
of  motion  ;  v.  to  hinder;  to 
put  an  end  to 

Swamp,  n.  a  marsli,  fen,  bog 

Swan,  n.  a  large  water-fowl 

Throng,  n.  a  crowd,  multitude 

Tongs,  n.  a  utensil  to  take  up 
fire,  &c. 

Wash,  V.  to  cleanse  with  wa- 
ter 

What,  jpr<?.  that  which,  which 
part 


THE  AMERICAN  riNSlRliCT^R. 


,5j 


Broom.,  «.   an  instrument   to 

sweep  with 
Bruise,  V.  to    mangle   with   a 

heavy  blow  ;  ?i,  a  hurt 
Brute,  n.  a    creature  without 

reason 
Choose,  V.  to  select,  pick  out 
Food,  7i.  victuals,  provision 
Fool,  71.  an  idiot 
Fruet,  n.  the  produce  of  trees 

and  plants 
Gloom,  n.    darkness,   heavi- 
ness of  mind 
Goose,  n.  a  large  water-fowl 
Loom,  n.  the  frame  in  which 

weavers  make  their  cloth 
Loose,  a.  unbound  ;  v.  to  un- 
bind [forfeit 
Lose,  V.    to    suffer    loss ;    to 
Mood,  n.  temper  of  mind  ;  a 

term  in  grammar 
Moon,  n.  the  great   luminary 
of  the  night  l^'^y 

Noon,  V.   the    middle  of  the 
Noose,  n,  a  running  knot 
Pool,  n.  a  standing  water.pond 
Poor,  a.  not  rich  ;  lean 
Proof,  n~  evidence,  trial 
Prove,  V.  to  evince,  try 
Rood,  n.  the  fourth  part  of  an 

acre 
Room,  n.  an  apartment,  place 
Rude,  a.   rough,  harsh,  unci- 
vil [ernment 
Rule,  V,   to  govern  ;    n.  gov- 
ScAool,  n.  a  place  for  educa- 
tion [the  foot 
Shoe,  ti.  the    outer  cover  for 
Sloop,  71.  a  small  vessel 
SmooTH,  a.  even  on  the  sur- 
face 
Soon,  ad.  before  long,  shortly 
Soot,  rr.  condensed  smoke 
5*  , 


Spoon,  n.  a  vessel  with  a  han- 
dle used  in  eating  liquids 
Stool,  71.  a  seat  witJiout  a  back 
Stoop,  V.  to  bend,  subnij'; 
Swoon,  71.  a  faiiiting  fit 
Tom6, 71.  a  repository  or  mon- 
ument for  the  dead  [above 
Too,  ad.   likewise,   over  and 
Truth,  n.  reality,  certainty 

7 
Book,  n.  a  volume    in   which 
we  read  or  write       [water 
Brook,  ??.  a  rivulet,  running 
Foot,  71.  a  measure  of  12  inch- 
es ;  the  part  on  wide  h   we 
stand 
Good,  a.  virtuous,  having  de- 
sirable qualities  [iron 
Hoop,  w.  a  circle  of  wood  or 
Look,  V.  to  direct  the  eye  to 
any  particular   object  ;  to 
see,  behold 
Pull,  V.  to  drag  forcibly 
Put,  V.  to  lay,  place 

8 
Bird,  71.    a  name    applied  to 

fowls 
Blood,  71.  the  red  iluid  that  cir- 
culates through  the  body 
Dirge,  n.  a  mournful  ditty 
Dirk,  n.  a  kind  of  dagger 
Dirt,  71.  earth,  fdth 
Flirt,  n.  a  sudden  motion 
Flood,  ?i.  a  deluge,  flow  of  tide 
Front,  7J.  the  face  ;  the  fore- 
part of  any  thing 
Love,  V.  to  regard  with  affec- 
tion ;  71.  passion,  friendship 
Month,  n.  the  12lh  part  of  a 

year 
None,?*,  not  any,  not  one 
Sir,  n.  a  word  of  respect  used 
to  .men,  a  title    ^- 


5.4 


THE   AMERI.CAPf   fNSTRUCTER. 


8 

Some,  a.  a  part,  more  or  less 

Son,  n.  a  male  child 

Stir,  V.  to  move,  agitate  ;  n.  a 

tumult,  bustle 
Thirst,  n.  the  pain  suffered 
for  want  of  drink ;  v.  to 
feel  want  of  drink 
Tong>  n.  the  catch  of  a  buckle 
TongMe,7i.  the  organ  of  speech 
Word,    n.    a  single  part    of 

speech  ;  talk  ;  tidings 
Work,  1'.  to  labour,  toil 
World,  n.   the  universe,  the 
earth,  mankind,  &c. 
9 
Frei^At,  n.  the  loading  of  a 

ship 
Prey,  n.  something  to  be  de- 
voured ;  V.  to  feed  by  vio' 
lence 
Reign,  V.  to  rule  as  a  king 
Tnere,  ad.  in  that  place 
Vein,  n.   a  tube  in  the   flesh 
through  which   the  blood 
flows 
oi 
Boil,  V.  to  be  agitated  by  heat 
Choice,   n.    act  of  choosing, 

thing  chosen 
Coil,  V.  to  gather  into  a  nar- 
row compass 
Hoist,  V.  to  lift  up 
Join,  V.  to  add,  unite     [meet 
Joint,  n.  a  point  where  bones 
Joist,  n.  a  small  beam  to  sup- 
port floors 
Moist,  n.  wet  in  a  small  de- 
gree 
Noise,  n.  clamour,  any  sound 
Oil,  n.   grease,  the  juice   of 

olives,  &c. 
Point,  n.  a  sharp  end ;  a  stop 
in  writing 


Poise,  i\  to  balance 
Toil,  V.  to  labour,  work 
Voice,  71.   sound   emitted  by 
the  mouth 

oy 
Boy,  7i.  a  male  child,  lad 
Joy,  n.  happiness,  gladness 

ou 

Cloud,  n.  a  body  of  vapour* 

in  the  air 
Douftt,  V.  to  question,  distrust 
Douse,  V.  to  plunge  into  water 
Gout,  n.  a  paiulul  disease 
Ground,  n.  the  earth,  land 
Hound,  n.  a  dog  used  in  hunt- 
ing 
House,  n.  a  place  ol  abode 
Loud,  a.  noisy,  clamorous 
Mouse,  11.  a  small  animal 
Mouth,  «.  the  aperture  in  tjje 
head  where  food  is  receiv- 
ed ;  an  opening  [thing 
Noun,  n,    the   name   of  any 
Ounce,  n.  a  weight ;  a  lynx 
Our,  pro.  relating  to  us 
Out,    ad.  not  within  ;  to  the 

end ;  at  a  loss 
PloYigh,  n.  a  farming  utensil 
Pounce,  n.  the  claw  of  a  bird 
Pound,  n.  a  weight ;  20  shiK 

lings 
Pout,  V.  to  look  sullen,  frown 
Proud,  a.  haughty,  lofty 
Round,  a.  circular,  smooth 
Route,  7t.  a  road,  way,  journey 
Shout,  V.  to  cry  in  triumph  ; 

«.  a  cry  of  rejoicing 
Slou^/t,  7t.  a  deep  miry  place 
Sound,  a.  healthy,  whole  ;  ». 
a  noise  ;  a  shallow  sea  ;  v. 
to  make  a  noise  ;  to  searck 
for  bottom  with  a  lead 
Sour,  a.  acid,  tart ;  peevish 


i;aE   AMERICAN    IN3TRUCT£R.  5ii 

OU.  I         ow 

South,  n.  the  place  where  the    Drown,i;.  to  suffocate  in  water 
sun  is   at  noon  ;  the  south  !  Frown,  n.  a  look  of  displeas- 
region;  a.  southward;  or/,  j      ure  ;  v.  to  look  cross 
toward  the  south  i  Gown,  n.  a  long    ujjper  gar- 

ment 
Growl,  r.  to  snarl,  grumble 
How,  ad.  in  what  manner 
HowI,u.to  cry  as  a  wolf  or  dog 
Now,  ad.  at  this  time 
Prowl,  V.   to  rove  about  ;  to 

wander  for  prey 
Scowl,  V.   to  frown  ;  to  look 

angry 
Vow,  V.  to  make  a  promise  ; 
n.  a  solemn  promise 


Spouse,  n.  a  husband  or  wife 
Stout,  a.  strong,  valiant 
Trout,  n.  a  delicate  fish 

Brow,  n.  the  forehead  ;  etlge 

of  a  hill 
Brown,  a.  the  name  of  a  colour 
Clown,?/,  an  ill  bred  man  ;  a 

nistick  [tude 

Crowd,  n.  a  confused    multi- 
Down,  «.  very  soft  feathers 


SECTION  XIX. 

Mortality. 

i  iiAvs  seen  the  rose  in  its  beauty  ;  it  spread  its 
loaves  to  the  morning  sun.  I  looked  again  ;  it  was  dy- 
ing upon  the  stalk  ;  the  grace  of  its  form  was  gone,  its 
loveliness  was  vanished  away,  its  leaves  were  scattered 
na  the  ground,  and  no  one  gathered  them. 

A  stately  tree  grew  on  the  plain  ;  its  branches  were 
covered  with  verdure,  its  boughs  spread  wide  and  made 
a  goodly  shadow  ;  the  trunk  was  like  a  strong  pillar, 
and  the  roots  w  ere  like  crooked  fangs.  I  looked  again  ; 
the  verdure  was  nipped  by  the  east  wind,  the  branches 
were  lopped  away  by  the  axe,  the  worm  had  made  its 
way  into  the  trunk,  and  the  heart  thereof  was  decayed ; 
it  mouldered  away,  and  fell  to  the  ground. 

I  have  seen  the  insects  sporting  in  the  sunshine,  and 
darting  along  the  streams  ;  their  wings  glittered  with 
gold  and  purple,  their  bodies  shoije  like  the  green  em- 
erald ;  they  were  more  numerous  than  I  could  count ; 
their  motions  were  quicker  than  my  eye  could  glance. 
I  looked  again  ;  they  were  brushed  into  the  pool ;  they 
were  perishing  with  the  evening  breeze  ;  the  swallow 
had  devoured  them  ;  the  pike  had  seized  them  ;  there 
were  none  found  of  so  great  a  multitude.  ; 


56  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.' 

I  have  seen  man  in  the  pride  of  iiis  strength  ;  his 
cheeks  glowed  with  beauty,  his  Umbs  were  full  of  ac- 
tivity, he  leaped,  he  walked,  he  ran,  he  rejoiced  that  he 
was  more  excellent  than  those.  1  looked  again  ;  he 
lay  cold  and  stift'  on  the  bare  ground  ;  his  feet  could 
no  longer  move,  nor  his  hands  stretch  themselves  out : 
his  life  was  departed  from  him,  and  the  breath  out  of 
his  nostrils.  Therefore  do  I  weep  ;  because  death  is 
in  the  world  ;  the  spoiler  is  among  the  works  of  God : 
all  that  is  made,  must  be  destroyed ;  all  that  is  bom, 
must  die. 


SECTION  XX. 

Immortality. 
I  HAVE  seen  the  flower  withering  on  the  stalk,  and  its 
bright  leaves  spread  on  the  ground.     I  looked  again  ; 
it  sprung  forth  afresh,   its  stem  was  crowned  with  new 
buds,  and  its  sweetness  filled  the  air. 

I  have  seen  tlie  sun  set  in  the  west,  and  the  shades 
of  night  shut  in  the  wide  horizon  :  there  was  no  colour, 
nor  shape,  nor  beauty,  nor  musick  ;  gloom  and  dark- 
ness brooded  around.  I  looked  again  ;  the  sun  broke 
forth  from  ilie  east,  and  gilded  the  mountain  tops  ;  the 
lark  rose  to  meet  him  from  her  low  nest,  and  the  shades 
I  )f  darkness  lied  away. 

I  have  seen  tiie  insect,  being  come  to  its  full  slxe,  lan- 
guish and  refuse  to  eat ;  it  spun  itself  a  tomb,  and  was 
shrouded  in  the  silken  cone  ;  it  lay  without  feet,  or 
shape,  or  power  to  move.  I  looked  again  ;  it  had 
burst  its  tomb,  it  was  full  of  life,  and  sailed  on  coloured 
wings  through  the  soft  air  ;  it  rejoiced  in  its  new  being. 
Thus  shall  it  be  with  thee,  O  man  ;  and  so  siiall  thy 
life  be  renewed.  A  little  while  shalt  tliou  lie  in  the 
ground,  as  the  seed  lies  in  the  bosom  of  the  earth  ;  but 
thou  shalt  be  raised  again,  never  to  die  any  more. 

Who  is  he  that  comes  to  bm-st  open  the  prison  doors 
of  tlie  tomb,  to  bid  the  dead  awake,  and  to  gatlier  iiis 
redeemed  from  the  four  winds  of  heaven  ?  He  descends 
on  a  fiery  cloud,  the  sound  of  a  trumpet  goes  before 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  57 

him,  thousands  of  angels  are  on  his  right  hand.  It  is 
Jesus,  the  Son  of  God,  the  Saviour  of  men,  the  friend 
of  the  good.  He  comes  in  the  glory  of  his  Father  ;  he, 
has  received  power  from  on  high. 

Mourn  not,  therefore,  child  of  immortality  !  For  the 
spoiler,  the  cruel  spoiler  that  laid  waste  the  works  of 
God,  is  subdued.  Jesus  has  conquered  death  ;— child 
of  immortality  no  longer  mourn. 


SECTION  XXL 

.  Health. 

Who  is  she  that  with  graceful  steps,  and  with  a  lively 
air,  trips  over  yonder  plain  ?  The  rose  blushes  on  her 
cheeks,  the  sweetness  of  the  morning  breathes  from  her 
lips  ;  joy,  tempered  with  innocence  and  modesty,  spar- 
kles in  her  eyes  ;  and  the  cheerfulness  of  her  heart  ap- 
pears in  all  her  movements. 

Her  name  is  Health  :  she  is  the  daughter  of  Exercise 
and  Temperance.  Their  sons  inhabit  the  mountains 
and  the  plain.  They  are  brave,  active  and  lively,  and 
partake  of  all  the  beauties  and  virtues  of  their  sister. 

Vigour  strings  their  nerves,  strength  dwells  in  their 
bones,  and  labour  is  their  delight  ail  the  day  long. — 
The  employments  of  their  father  excite  their  appetites, 
and  the  repasts  of  their  mother  refresh  them. 

To  combat  tlie  passions  is  their  delight ;  to  conquer 
evil  habits  their  glory.  Their  pleasures  are  moderate, 
and  therefore  they  endure  ;  their  repose  is  short,  but 
sound  and  undisturbed.  Their  blood  is  pure,  their 
minds  are  serene,  and  the  physician  does  not  tind  the 
w  ay  to  their  habitations. 

—«!©©— 

Invocation  to  Sleej). 

Sleep,  downy  sleep,  come  close  my  eyes, 
Tir'd  with  beholding  vanities  : 
Welcome,  sweet  sleep,  that  drives  a\v;iv 
The  toils  and  follies  of  the  da\'. 
On  thy  soft  bosom  will  I  lie, 
Forget  the  Avorld,  and  jrrin)  todif. 


SB  THE  AMEIUCAN  1^'^^TRUCTER. 

SECTION  XXII. 

Words  of  two  sylhthhs,  accented  on  tht  first. 

1  * 


A  ble,a.  having  power,  capa- 
ble of  doing 

A  corn,  n.  the  seed  or  fruit  of 
the  oak 

A  ere,  n.   a  certain  quantity 
of  land 

A  ged,  a.  old,  ancient 
"  A  gent,  n.  s^  deputy ,substitute 
-An  cient,  [anc-tshent]  a.  old, 
not  modern 

\  pril,  n.  the  fourth  month  of 
the  year 

Ba  con,  n.  the  flesh  of  a  hog 

salted  and  dried         [rests 

-  Bat'  liff,  n.  an  officer  that  ar- 

Ba  ker,  n.  a  person  that  bakes 

Bane  ful,  a.    poisonous,    de- 
structive 

Ba  sin,  n.  a  small  vessel ;  pond 
-Ba  sis,  n.  foundation,  support 

Bear  er,  n.   a  carrier  of  any 
thing ;  supporter 

Beast  ly,  a.  brutal,  obscene 

Bee  hive,  n.  the  place  where 
bees  are  kept  [insect 

Bee  tlc,n.  a  heavy  mallet ;  an 

Be  ing,  n.  existence 

Bi  ble,  71.  the  sacred  volume 

Blame  less,  a.  innocent,  guilt- 
less 

Blind  ness,  n.  want  of  sight 

Bold  ness,  n.   courage,  assu- 
rance 

Bol  ster,  n.  a    latge    pillow, 
long  cushion 

Bra  sier,    [bra  zhur]    n.    one 
who  works  in  brass 

Bri  er,  n.  a  prickly  bush 

By  word,' n.  a  cant  word,  pro- 
verb, jest,  scoff,  a  sayirifr 


Ca  ble,  71.  a  rope  for  an  anchor 
Ca  denct,  ti.  a  fall  of  the  voice 
Cam  brick,  n.  fine  linen 
Care  ful,  a.  cautious,  saving 
Caie  less,  a.  heedless,  negli- 
gent 
Ce  dar,  n.  a  tree 
Chair  man,  n.  president  of  an 

assembly 
Cham  ber,  /?.  part  of  a  jiouse 
Cheat  er,   «.  one  who  cheats 
Clieer  ful,  a.  gay,  full  of  life 
Child  hood,  n.    infancy,  the 
state  of  a  child  [pies 

Ci  der,  n.  liquor  made  of  ap- 
Cleffr  ness,  ii.  brightness 
Cli  ent,  71.  employer  of  an  ad- 
vocate [the  air 
Cli  mate,  n.  a  tract  of  land  ; 
CloTH  ier,  n,  amakcr  of  cloth 
Coach  man,  n.  a  driver  of  a 

coach 
Coarse  ness,  ti.  roughness 
Cold  ness,  7i.  want  of  heat 
Cra  zy,  a.  broken-witted 
Creature,   [t^ikc  tsh]    »..  a 

created  being 
Cri  sis,  a.  critical  time 
Da?!  ly,  ad.  every  day       [ish 
D;un  ty,  a.  delicate,  squeam- 
Dai  sy,  w.  a  spring  flower 
Dan  ger,  n.  risk,  hazard 
Dea  con,  n.  a  cluirch  officer 
De  cent,  a.  modest,  becoming 
De  mon,  n.  an  evil  spirit 
Dire  ful,  a.  dreadful 
Di  vers,  a.  several,  sundry 
I)(.lc  ful,  a.  sorrowful,  dismal 
Do  nor,  w.  a  giver,  bestower 
Do  zy,  a.  sliH'jjy,  stupid 


THE  AMERICAN  IXSTRUCTEK. 


B9 


Dra  ma,   71.  the    action   of  a 

play,  a  play,  a  poem 
Dra  per,  n.  one  who  deals  in 

cloth 
Drea  ry,  a.  doomy,  mournful 
Du  el,  n.  a  fight  betAveen  two 

persons 
Du  ty,  n  obligation  ;  a  tax 
Ert  ger,  [  g  hard]  a.   ardent, 

zealous 
Ea  gle,  n.  a  bird  of  prey 
Ea-  sy,  a.  not  difficult ;  at  rest 
E  qual,  a.  even,  uniform,  alike 
E  ra,  )i.  an    epoch  ;  a   point 
of  time  [ment 

E  ther,   ?i.  pure  air,    an   ele- 
E  ven,  a.  level,  smooth 
E  vil,  a.  wicked,  bad 
Faznt  ness,  ??.  feebleness 
Fair  ly,  ad.  justly,  honestly 
Fazr  ness,  n.  beauty  ;  honesty 
Faith  ful,  a.  firm  to  the  truth 
Faith  less,  o.  unbelieving 
Fa  mous,  a.  noted,  renov/ned 
Fa  tal,  a.  deadly,  mortal 
Fa  vour,  n.  kindness  ;  v.  to 

support 
Fear  ful,"  a.  timorous,  awful 
Fear  less,   a.  very    bold,  in- 
trepid 
Fea  ture,   [t  like  tsh]   n.  the 

cast  of  the  face 
Fee  ble,  a.  weak,  infirm 
Feel  ing,    n.   sensibility,   hu- 
manity, tenderness 
Fe  ver,  n.  a.  disease,  heat 
Fi  bre,  n.  a   small  thread ;  a 

very  small  root 
Figh  ter,  n.  a  warriour,  hero 
Fi  nal,  a.  conclusive,  last 
Fine  ness,  n.  delicacy,  purity 
Fi  nite,  a.  limited,  bounded 


Fla  vour,n.  taste,  relisJi,smci! 
Flu  ent,  a.  eloquent,  ready 
Flu  id,  n.  a  liquid,  any  thin'-- 

that  flows 
Fore  cast,  n.  comrivance  be- 
forehand 
Fore  man,  n.  chief  man  in  a 

shop 
Fore  most,  a.  first  in  a  placi 

or  dignity 
Fore  sight,  n.  foreknowledge 
Fra  grance,  n,   sweetness   of 

smell  ^ 

Fra  grant,  a.  sweet-smelling 
Fra  mer,  n.  a  maker,  contrive? 
Free  born,n.  inheriting  liberty 
Free  cost,  n.  without  expense 
Free  dom,  n.  liberty 
Free  ly,  ad.  liberally- 
Free  ness,  n.  liberality,  qual- 
ity of  being  free 
Fre  quent,  a.  often  occurring  ^■ 
Fri  day,  n.  the   sixth  day  of 

the  week 
Fright  ful,  a.  full  of  terrour 
Fru  gal,  a.  careful,  thrifty 
Fii  el,  n.  matter  for  the  fire 
Fu  ry,  n.  madness,  rage 
Fu  ture,  [t    like  tsh]    a.  that 
which  is  to  come  hereafter 
Game  ster,  Ji.  one  addicted  ta 

gaming,  a  gambler 
Gi  ant,  n.  a  man  unnaturally 

tall  or  large 
Glo  ry,  ?i.  honour,  fame,  hap- 
piness, praise 
Gold  en,  a.  made  of  gold 
Gold  finch,  ?i.  a  kind  of  bird 
Gold  smith,  a.  one  whj  works 

in  gold 
Grace  ful,  a.  comely,  beauti- 
ful ;  with  dignity 


Fire  irms,  n.  guns,  muskets    '"Gra  cious,  a.  merciful,  kind 


tiO 


lilE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


<^rate  ful,  a.    having   a   due 

sonso  of  favours 
<  ira  tcr,  ??.  a  rough  instrument 

to  grate  with 
Ora  tis,  ad.  for  nothing,  freely 
Grave  ly,  ad.   seriously,   sol- 
emnly 
OJra  vy,  v.  the  juice  of  meat 
Great  iiess,  ?>.  larg'^ness,  dig- 
nity, merit 
Gree  dy,  a,  eager,  ravenous 
Gr/ev:. OUR.  a.  ainioiive,  heavy 
Gro''cb'r,?i.  a  dealer  in  liquors, 

sugars,  teas,  &c. 
Gui  dance,  n.  direction,  gov- 
ernment 
Owide  less,  a.  without  a  guide 
Has  ty,  a.  quick,    passionate 
Hate  ful,  a.  detestalile,  vile 
Ha  tred,  ».  ill  will,  dislike 
Ha  zy,  a.  foggy,  ntisty,  dark 
He<rr  sn?/,  ??.  report,  rumour 
He/z  THOn,  ?/.   a  pagan,  one 

destitute  of  revelation 
Heed  less,  o.   careless,  inat- 
tentive 
llci^Ji  ten,  V.  to  raise,  increase 
Hero,   n.  a    brave    man;   a 
t      great  warriour  [tie 

Hi^A  ness,  n.  elevation  ;  a  ti- 
Hintl  most,  a.  the  last 
Hire  liner,  «.  one  serving  for 

wages 
Hoarse  ness,  n.  roughness  of 

voice,  harshness 
Hoi  ster,  n.  a  case  for  pistols 
Ho  ly,  a.  pure,  religious 
Home  ly,  a.  plain,  inehigant 
Hope  lessj  a.  without  hojie 
Hu  inan,  tt.   belonging   to  or 

like  man 
Un  niour,n.  general  turn    if 
mind  ;  moisture    •' 


Hy  phen,  n.  a  short  mark  be- 
tween words  or  syllables 
I  cy,  rt.  cold,  full  bf  ice 
I  die,  a.  unemployed,  lazy 
I  ris,  71.  the  lainbow  ;  a  circle 
I  ron,  [i  urn]  n.  a  hard  metal 
I  tern,  n.  a  new  article ;  a  hint 
I  vy,  n.  the  name  of  a  plant 
Jail  er,  7i.  the  keeper  of  a  pri- 
son 
Jews  harp,  7i.  a  sort  of  musi- 
cal instrument 
Jni  cy,  a.  moist,  full  of  juice 
Ju  r}',  71.  persons  sworn  to  de- 
liver   truih   on   such    evi- 
dence as  shall  be  given  be- 
fore them 
Kei'p  er,  n.  one  tyho  keeps, 

one  who  guards 
Kind  ness,n.  benevolence,lovc 
ATna  vish,  a.  dishojK-sf,  wicked 
KiKy/ving,  a.  skilful,  intelli- 
gent [work 
La  hour,  n.  work,  toil ;  v.  to 
La  die,  n.  a  large  spoon,vessel 
La  dy,  «.    a    female  title    of 

honour ;  a  woman 
Lame  ness,  7i.  the  state  of  a 

cripple 
Late  ly,  ad.  not  long  ago 
La  tent,  a.  secret,  hidden 
La  va,  77.  matter  which  issues 

from  volcanoes 
La  zy,  (t.  unwilling  to  work 
Lert  (Jer,  n.  a  conductor,  com- 
mander 
Ler/f  less,  a.  wi!hout  leaves 
\jQa  ky,  '1.  open,  not  close 
Lertv  iiigs,  n-  things  left,  rem- 
nant 
Le  smL^.  according  to' law 
Li  aflplftane  who  tells   false- 
ho-^ds 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


$i 


Li  bel,n.a  defamatory  writing 
Li  cense,  n.permission,liberty 
Life  less,  a.  dead,  inanimate 
Life  time,  n.  the  duration  of 

life 
lAght  house,  n.  a  building  with 

lights  to  direct  seamen 
Ijight  ning,   n.  the  flash  that 

precedes  thunder 
Li  ken,  u.  to  make  like,  com- 
pare, resemble 
Like  ness,  n.  a  resemblance 
Like  wise,  ad.  in  like  manner 
Lime  kiln,  n.  a  kiln  for  burn- 
ing limestones 
Lime  stone,  n.   the  stone  of 

which  lime  is  made 
Li  ning,  n.  the  inner  covering 

of  any  thing 
Li  on,  n.  a  bold  strong  animal 
Live  ly,  a.  brisk,  gay,  cheerful 
Li  vre,  n.  a  French  coin 
Load  stone,  n,  a  stone  having 

an  attractive  power 
LoflTH  ful,a.odious,  abhorred 
LoaTH  some,   a.    detestable, 


abhorred 


I  lace 


Lo  cal,  a.  being  of  or  in  a 
Lo  cust,  ?J.  a  devouring  insect 
Lone  some,  a.  solitary,  dismal 
Lo7f  land,   n.    marshy ;    low 

part  of  a  coujitry 
IjOw  ly,  <■/.  humijle-,  meek 
Lu  cid,  a.  bright,  c  l<?ar 
Lu  ere,  n.  profit,  gain 
Lu  nar,   a.    relating    to    the 

moon 
Lu  rid,  a.  gloomy,  disaial 
hlnin  mast,  n.   the    chief    or 

middle  rnur.t  of  a  shi]; 
Ma.  jor,  n.  an  officer  above  a 
captain  ;  <:.  sjreater  in  num- 
ber, quantity,  or  extent 
6 


Ma  ker,   n.  one  whe  raidcet 

any  thing  ;  the  Creator 
Man  ger,  n.  a  wooden  trough 

for  animals  to  eat  out  of 
Ma  son,  «.  one  who  works  in 
stone  or  brick  ;  a  member 
of  the   fraternity  of  Free- 
masons 
May  or,   n.  the  chief  magis- 
trate of  a  corporation 
Mea  ger,  [g  bard]   a.  weak, 

lean 
Mean  ing,  n.  intention,  design 
Mea  sles,  71.  a  disease 
Meek  ly,  ad.  mildly,  gently 
Meek  ness,  n.  mifdness 
Meet  ing,  n.  an  assembly 
Mere  ly,  ad.  simply,  only 
Mi^A  ty,  a.  powerful,  strong 
Mild  \y,  ad,  tenderly,  kindly 
Mild  ness,  n.  gentleness,  soft- 
ness 
Mi  nor.  n.  one  under  age ;  a. 

petty,  less   " 
Mo  ment,  n.  importance,  val- 
ue ;  an   indivisible   part  of 
time  [part 

Most  ly,  ad.  for  the  greatest 
Mo  tion,  n.  the  act  of  moving 
Mo  tive,  71  that  which  incites 
to  action  [mould 

MomI  dy,     a.    covered    with 
Mo?/rn  er,  7j.  one  that  mourns 
WoMrn  ful,  a.  sad,  sorrowful 
Ivlo//rn  iiig,  71,  grief,  lamenta- 
tion ;  a  dress  of  sorrow 
iMu  sick,   n.    liarmony  ;    the 

science  of  sounds 
Namely,  ad.  particularly, to 

wit,  that  is  to  say 
Na  tion,  n.  body  of  people 
united  imder  one  prince  or 
government  . 


TME  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


Na  tive,  n.  one  born  in  any 

place ;  a.  natural,  real 
Na  ture,  [t  like  tsh]  n.  the  na- 
tive state  of  any  thing ;  dis- 
position ;  compass  of  natu- 
ral existence  ;  state  or  sys- 
tem of  the  world 
Na  val,  a.  relating  to  ships 
Na  vy,??.  a  fleet  of  ships  of  war 
Near  ly,  ad.  closely ;  at  hand 


1 
Nc  gro,   n.  a  black  man,  av 

African 
Nei  THer,  conj.  not  either 
Nt'u  ter,a.  indiflerent,not  en 

gaged  on  either  side 
Neu  tral,  a.  being  of  neither 

l)arty  [ness 

New  ness,  n.  freshness,  late- 
Nine  ty,  a.  nin^  times  ten 
No  ble,  a.  illustrious,  great 


Near  ness,  n.  closeness  ;  alii-   Noiegay,n.a  bunch  of  flowers 

ance  of  blood  or  affection      No  ticc,  n.  information 
Neat  ly,  ad.  elegantly,  cleanly    No  tion,  n.  opinion,  sentiment 
Neat  ness,  n.  elegance  '  No  where,arf.  sot  in  any  place 

Needle,  71.  a  small  instrument  INuj  sance,  n.  something  nox- 

for  sewing  j      ious  or  offensive 

.Need  less,  a.  unnecessary        |  O  cean,  [o  shunjn.  the  largest 
Nee  dy,  a.  poor,  necessitous    '      body  of  water  on  the  globe 
— «©««~ 

SECTION  xxm. 

Description  of  the  Sloth. 

The  Sloth  wliich  is  an  animal  of  South  America, 
makes  the  most  despirable  appearance  of  all  the  animal 
race.  It  is  covered  with  coarse  hair,  somewhat  resem- 
bling dried  grass  ;  ami  its  eyes  are  dull  and  heavy. 

It  has  four  short  feet,  which  are  armed  with  strong 
claws ;  but  thoueh  tlie  feet  are  short,  tlic  logs  are  still 
shorter,  and  proceed  from  the  body  in  :uuii  an  oblique 
direction,  that  the  soles  of  the  feet  seldom  touch  the 
ground. 

This  poor  creature  seldom  changes  his  position  but 
by  constraint,  and  when  impelled  by  the  severe  calls  of 
hunger ;  and  then  it  moves  only  one  li-jjc  at  a  time,  by 
scrajjing  on  the  bark  of  the  claws  nloitg  the  surface, 
iind  wheeling  the  limbs  circularly  about,  yet  still  touch- 
ing the  ground,  till  at  length  it  places  its  foot  in  a  pro- 
gressive position. 

The  other  three  limbs  are  brought  alxnit  with  the 
same  difficulty,  before  the  animal  is  capalde  of  moving 
his  body  ;  and  in  a  maimer  so  extremely  slow,  that,  ac- 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  63. 

cording  to  Goldsmith's  account,  it  has  been  seen  to  ad- 
vance not  more  than  three  feet  in  an  hour  ;  and  that  a 
few  paces  are  often  the  journey  of  a  week. 

It  lives  upon  the  leaves,  fruit,  and  flowers  of  trees ; 
and  sometimes  on  the  bark  itself,  when  nothing  else  i« 
left  uf  jn  the  tree  for  its  subsistence.  It  requires  a  large 
share  of  food  for  its  support ;  and  therefore  it  generally 
strips  a  tree  of  all  its  verdure,  before  it  is  willing  to 
leave  it. 

Although  this  animal  is  formed  for  climbing  a  tree 
with  great  pain  and  difficulty,  3'et  it  is  utterly  unable  to 
descend  kike  other  animal  ;  but  is  obliged,  when  it  has 
stripped  the  tree  of  every  thing  that  eo^dd  serve  it  for 
food,  to  drop  like  a  lifeless  mass  from  the  branches  to 
the  ground. 

After  remaining  some  time  in  a  torpid  state,  from  the 
shock  received  by  the  fall,  it  again  prepares  for  a  jour- 
ney to  some  neighbouring  tree  not  far  distant,  to  which 
it  crawls  so  slowly,  that  one  can  scarcely  perceive  k 
move  ;  and  often  baits  on  vegetables  by  tlie  Avay. 

All  motions  whicli  it  makes,  seem  to  torture  it ;  every 
step  it  takes,  it  sends  forth  a  plaintive,  melancholy  cry^ 
which  seems  its  chief  defence;  few  quadrupeds  appear 
willing  to  interrupt  its  progress,  either  because  its  flesh 
is  oflensive,  or  they  are  terrified  at  its  cries. 

When  at  length  they  reach  their  destined  tree,  they 
mount  it  with  much  greater  ease  than  when  they  moved 
upon  the  plain.  They  fall  to  with  famished  appetite,  and, 
as  before,  destroy  the  very  source  that  supplies  them. 

As  it  finds  so  great  a  difficulty  in  procuring  its  food, 
it  is  often  obliged  to  go  several  days  without  any  sup- 
ply ;  and  we  are  informed  that  one  remained  suspended 
to  a  pole  across  two  beams,  without  any  sustenance,  for 
forty  days. 

This  strange  creature,  which  appears  to  live  a  very 
wretched  life,  may  serve  as  a  just  emblem  of  the  sloth- 
ful, who  spend  their  time  in  doing  nothing,  or  that  which 
is  worse  than  nothing  ;  while  they  ought  to  be  improv- 
ing their  minds  in  virtue,  and  endeavourmg  for  those 
comforts  w;bich  render  mankind  happy. 


64  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

SECTION  XXIV. 

The  Sluggard. 

•'Tis  the  voice  of  the  Sluggard — I  hear  him  complain, 
'  You  have  wak'd  me  too  soon,  I  must  slumber  again.' 
As  the  door  on  its  hinges,  so  he  on  his  bed, 
Turns  his  sides  and  his  shoulders,  and  his  heavy  head. 

A  *  little  more  sleep,  and  a  little  more  slumber  ;'. 

Thus  he  wastes  half  his  days,  and  his  hours  without  number: 

And  when  he  gets  up,  he  sits  folding  his  hands, 

Or  walks  about  sauntering,  or  idle  he  stands. 

I  pass'd  by  his  garden,  and  saw  the  wild  brier, 
The  thorn,  and  the  thistle,  grow  broader  and  higher. 
The  clothes  that  hang  on  him  are  turning  to  rags  ; 
And  his  money  still  wastes,  till  he  starves  or  he  begs. 

I  made  him  a  visit,  still  hoping  to  find 

He  had  taken  niore  care  in  improving  his  mind  ; 

He  told  me  his  dreams,  talk'd  of  eating  and  drinking ; 

But  he  scarce  reads  the  Bible,  and  never  loves  thinking. 

I  then  said  to  my  heart,  *  Here's  a  lesson  for  me ; 
That  man's  but  a  picture  of  what  I  might  be  : 
But  thanks  to  my  friends  for  their  care  in  my  breeding, 
Who  taught  me  betimes  to  love  working  and  reading.' 

SECTION  XXV. 

On  Early  Rising. 

How  foolish  they  who  lengthen  night, 

And  slumber  in  the  morning  light  !  0 

How  sweet  at  early  morning's  rise. 

To  view  the  glories  of  the  skies  !  • 

The  sprightly  lark,  with  artless  lay, 
Proclaims  the  entrance  of  the  day. 
Its  fairest  form  then  nature  wears, 
And  clad  in  brightest  green  appears. 

How  sweet  to  breathe  the  gale's  perfume. 
And  feast  the  eyes  with  nature's  bloom  ! 
Along  the  dewy  lawn  to  rove, 
And  ho;-ir  the  jnusirk  of  the  grove ! 


*tHiS  AM^ERICAN  IISSTRUCTER. 


65 


Nor  you,  ye  delicate  and  fair. 
Neglect  to  take  the  morning  air. 
This  will  your  nerves  with  vigour  brace, 
insprove  and  heighten  every  grace. 

'TwiH  give  your  breath  a  rich  perfume  ; 
Add  to  your  cheeks  a  fairer  bloom  ; 
With  lustre  teach  your  cyoi  to  glow, 
A-ud  health  and  cheerfulness  bestow, 

SECTION  XXVL 

Words  of  two  syllables,  accented  on  the  first ;  Continiied. 


O  dour,  n.  sceiit,  fragrance 

O  men,  n.  a  sign,  prognoslick 

On  ly,  a.  single  ;  ad,  simply, 
singly 

O  pen,  a.  unshiit ;  v.  to  un- 
close, divide 

O  ral,  a.  delivered  by  mouth 

O  ver,  pr,  and  ad.  above, 
across,  more,  upon 

Ow  ner,  n.  one    to  whom   a-f-Pi  t»us-  a.  reliirious,  devout 


1 
Pave  merit,   n.  a  paved  way, 

a  stone  or  brick  floor 
Pa^  mcnt,  n.  the  act  of  paying 
Pertce  fill,  a,  ciniet,  mild  [ded 
Pee  vish,  a.  cross,  easily  offen- 
Peo  plo,  n.  persons  in  gener- 
al ;  a  nation  ;  v.  to  stock 
with  inhabitants 
Pi  lot,  n.onc  who  steers  a  ship 


thing  belongs 

Pa  gan,  n.  a  heathen        [live 

Pain  ful,  a.  full  of  pain,  afflic- 

Paint  ing,  n.  the  art  of  laying 
on  colours  ;  a  picture 

Pale  ness,  n.  wanness,  white- 
ness 

Pa  per,  n.  a  substance  on 
which  men  wTite  and  print 

Pa  pist,  n.  one  who  adheres  to 
popery 

Pa  rent,  n.  a  father  or  motljer 

Paste  board,  n.  a  thick  kind 
of  paper 

Pa  tience,  n.  calmness  of 
mind,  endurance 

Pa  tient,  c.  resigned,  calm 
uud«r  pain  or  atHiction 

Pa  tron,  n.  supporter,  defen- 
der, advocate 


Pi  rate,  7i.  a  soa-robl)er 
Plain  ness,    n.   ilalncss,  sim- 
plicity 
Plum  tiff,  n.   one   who   com- 
mences a  suit  in  law 
Pku'n  tiv^,  a.  complaining 
Plav/  er,  n.  one  who  plays 
Fhij/  ful,  a.  sportive,  gay 
Phiy  house,  n.   a  house  used 

for  acting  plays  in 
Y'hiy  thing,  //.  a  toy,  trifle 
Pli  ant,  a.  flexile,  bending 
Plu  mage,  n.  leathers       [one 
Plu  ral,  it.  implying  more  than 
Po  em,   n.  a    composition  in 

verse 
Po  et,  n.  a  writer  of  poems  ; 

a  composer  of  verses 
Po  ny,  n.  a  small  horse 
Port  ly,  ad.  bulky,  majestical' 


66 


THE  AMERICAN   L\.-;T11L'CTER. 


•Por  ter,  n,  one  who   luis    the 
charge  of  a  gate  ;  a  kind 
of  strong  beer 
Post  age,  71.  money  paid  for  the 

coveyance  oflettcrs,  (S;c. 
Post  script,  ?/.  a  paragraph  ad- 
ded to  the  end  of  a  letter 
Po  tent,  a.  powerful 
Pra^/  er,  /;.  a  petition,  request 
Preach  er,  ?i.  one  who  preach- 
es-; a  minister 
Pre  cept,  n.  a   command,  in- 
struction, rule 
Priest  craft,  n.  religious  fraud 
Pn'est  hood,  n.  the  office  and 

character  of  a  priest 
Pri  or,  a.   former,  going  be- 
fore 
Pri  vate,  a.  secret,  alone 
Pro  noun,  n.  a   word  used  in 

the  place  of  a  noun 
Pu  ny,  a.  young,  small,  petty 
Pu  pil,  n.  a  scholar 
Pure  ly,  ad.  in  a  pure  manner 
Pu  trid,  a.  rotten,  corrupt 
Que  ry,  n.  a  question,  inquiry 
Qui  et,  a.  still,  peaceable 
Quo  tient,  n.  the  number  pro- 
duced by  division 
Rai  ment,  n.  dress,  clothes 
Rain  y,  a.  showery,  wet 
;    Ka  vcn,  n.  a  fowl 

Ra  zor,  n.  a  tool  used  in  sha- 
ving 
Read  er,  n.  otie  who  roads 
Read  ing,  n.   study,  perusal 

of  books 
Re  al,  a.  true,  genuine 
.    Rea  son,  n.    the    faculty   of 
thinking  ;  a  cause  ;  propri- 
ety ;  V.  to  arg\ie  rationally 
fte  cent,  a.  new,  late 
'•'   Re  gal,  a.  royal,  kingly 


Re  gejit,  n.   a    governouf,  h 

deputed  ruler 
Re  gion,  71.  a  country,  a  tract 

of  laud 
Re  tail,  n.  sale  by  small  quan- 
tities 
Ri  ot,  71.  an  uproar,  sedition 
Ri  pen,  ?;,  to  grow  ripe 
Ri  val,  71.  a  competitor 
Ro  gMish,  a.  knavish 
Sa  cred,  a.  holy,  consecrated 
Safe  ly,  ad.  in  a  safe  manner 
Safe  ty,  7i.  freedom  from  dan- 
ger or  hurt 
Sat  lor,  71.  a  seaman 
Sav  irtur,  7i.   the  Redeemer  ; 

he  who  saves 
Sa  vour,  n.  scent,  odour 
Saj/  ing,    7!,     an    expression, 

proverb,  maxim 
Sci  enct:,  7i.  knowledge,  learn- 
ing, skill,  art 
Sea  man,  w.  a  sailor,  mariner 
Sea  son,  ??.  one  fourth  part  of 
a  year ;  v.  to  give  a  relish  to 
Se  quel,  ».    succeedmg  part, 
conclusion  .[heat 

Sha  dy,  a.  secure  from  light  or 
Shame  ful,  a.  disgraceful 
Shame  less,  a.  impudent 
Sh()?<l  der,  7i.  the  joint  which 
cunnects  tiic  arm  to  the  body 
Si^n  post,  71.     the     post  ^n 

which  a  -sign  hangs 
Si  loncf,  71.  stillness,  secrecy 
Si  lent,  a.  still,  mute 
?la  vish,  a.  servile,  mean 
Sloth  ful,  a.  lazy,  sluggish 
Slo/f  ly,  ad.  not  spccdily,tar- 
dily  [snioke 

Snio  ky,  a.  emitting  or  full  of 
^noio  drop,  71.  an  early  flower 
So  bcr,  a.  serious,  calm  , 


THE  AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER., 


67 


So  fa,  n.  a  splendid  sent  cov- 
ered 
So  lar,  a.  relating  to  liio  sun 
Sol  dier,[sol  jnr]   n.    a  warr- 
iour;   a    man    engaged    in 
military  service 
Spa  cious,  a.  wide,  extensive 
Spe  cies,  n.  a  sort,    class  of 

nature   - 
Speech  less,  a.  mute,  dumb 
Spi  der,   u.    the    insect   that 
spins  webs  [plant 

Spike  nard,  n.  the  name  of  a 
Spite  ful,  a.  malicious,  cross 
Spri^At%^,a.  gay,  brisk,  lively 
States  man,  n.  one  emplo\'ed 
inpublick  affairs  ;  one  vers- 
ed in  the  arts  of  government 
Sta  tion,  ?i.    situation ;  v.  to 

fix  in  a  certain  place 
Steel  yard,  n.  a  kind  of  bal- 
ance for  weighing 
Stee  pie,  n.  the  turret  or  spire 

of  a  church 
Stew  ard,  n.  one  who  mana- 
ges the  affairs  of  another 
Sto  ry.  71.  a  narrative,  history 
Stran  ger,n.  one  unacquainted 
Stu  dent,  n.  a  scholar,  learner 
Stu  pid,  a.  dull,  heavy  [ly 
Sure  ly,[s  like  slijad.  certain- 
Sure  ty,[s  like  sh]  u.  security, 

certainty 
Sweet  meat,  n.  fruits  preserv- 
ed with  sugar 
Tai  lor,  n.  one   who    makes 

clothes 
Teach  er,  n,  an  instructer ;  a 

preacher 
Ti  tie,     n.    an     appellation ; 
name  of  honour  ;  claim  of 
right 
To  ken, «.  a  sign^  mark         ' 


Traz  tor,  ?i.  one  who  betrays 
his  trust 

Tre«  ty,  ii.  negotiation  ;  con- 
tract of  parties  [tation 

Tri  al,  7i.  examination  ;  temp- 

Tri  umph,  n.  joy  or  pomp  for 
success ;  conquest ;  v.  to 
rejoice  for  victory 

Tucs  day,  n.  the  third  day  of 
the  week 

Tu  lip,  ;?.  the  name  of  a  flower 

Tu  tor,  n.  one  who  instructs ; 
a  preceptor 

Twi  Wghi,  n.  the  dubious  light 
before  sunrise,  and  after 
sunset  ;  a.  obscure,  diisky 

Ty  rant,  ii.  a  cruel  dcspotick 
ruler  ;  a  severe  master 

Ty  ro,  n.one  in  his  rudiments, 
a  beginner,  student     [nient 

Use  ful,  a.  sci  viceable,  conve- 

Use  less,  a.  answering  no 
purpose 

Va  cant,  Ji.  empty,  free 

Vi  al,  ti.  a  small  bottle 

Vice  roy,  n.  the  agent  or  sub- 
stitute of  a  king 

Vi  ol,  n.  a  stringed  instru- 
ment of  musick  [vice 

Wa  ges,  12.  pay  given  for  ser-     i^ 

Wai  ter,  Ji.  an  attendant  '   -"■ 

Ware  house,  n.  a  storehouse 
for  merchandise  [ish 

Waste  ful,  a.  destructive,  lav- 

2  ,  J 

•Ah  scnc£,  n.  being  absent 
Ab  sent,  a.  not  present 
Ab  stract,  «.an  abridgment 
Ac  cent,  ?/.  manner  of  pro- 
nunciation 
Ac  id,[c  like  s]  a.  sour,  sharp 
Ac  tion,  n,  a  thing  done  ^ 

Ac  tive,  a.  quick,  nimble 
Ac  tor,  n.  he  that  perfoin» 


69 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTEIl. 


Ac  tress,  n.  she  that  performs 
Ad  der,  n.  a  serpent,  viper 
Af  ter,  pr.  in  pursuit  of;  be- 
hind 
Al  um,  n.  mineral  salt 
Am  pie,  a.  large,  wide 
Ash  es,  «.  the  remains  of  any 
thing  burnt  Qu^g^ 

AstA  ma,  71.   a  disease  of  the 
At  las,  n.  a  collection  of  maps 
Ax  is,  n.  the  line  on  which  any 
thing  turns  [my 

Bag  gage,  n.  utensils  of  an  ar- 
Ban  ish,v.  to  condemn  to  leave 
one's  own  country,  to  diive 
away 
Ban  ner,  n.  a  flag, standard 
Ban  quet,  ti.  a  feast 
Bar  rel,  n.  a  round  wooden 
vessel ;  the  hollow  tube  of 
a  gun 
Bar  ren,  a.  unfruitful,  scanty 
Bash  ful,  a.  wanting  due  con- 
fidence 
Bat  tie,  n.  a  fight,  combat 
Beck  on,  v.  to  make  a  sign 
Bed  stertd,  ti.  the  frame  which 
supports  a  bed       [begging 
'^eg  gar,  n.  one  who  lives  by 
Bel  iowj  V.  to  roar 
Bel  \owSy  n.  an  instrument  to 
blow  the  fire  [ness 

Bet  ter,  a.  superiour  in  good- 
Bil  lo?/',ra.a  large  roaring  wave 
Bis  cuit,  n.  hard  dry  bread 
Bish  op,  n.  one  of  (he  head  or- 
der of  the  clergy 
Black  smith,??,  one  who  works 
in  iron  [for  a  bed 

Blank  et,  n.  a  woollen  cover 
Bles  sing,  n.  divine  favour 
Blun  der,  n.  a  mibtake 
Brack  ish,  a.  somewhat  salt 


Bram  ble,  n.  a  prickly  shrub 
Bran  dy,  h.  a  strong  distilled 

liquor 
Break  fast,  n.  the   first  meal 

in  the  day 
Brit  tie,  a.  apt  to  break,  weak 
Buck  et,  «,  a  vessel  to  carry 

or  fetch  water  in 
Bwild  ing,  71.  a  house,  fabrick 
Bun  die,  7?.  a  number  of  things 

bound  togfjther  [en 

Bur  nish,  r.  to  polish,  bright- 
Bus  de,  71.  hurry,  tumult 
But  ter,  71,    food  made   from 

cream  0 

Cab  in,  ?'.  a  room  in  a  ship 
Cam  el,  n.  a  beust  of  burden 
Can  did,  a.  fair,  open,  honest 
Con  drtur,  71.  pjirity  of  mind 
Cap  tain,  «.   the  commander 

of  a  company  or  ship 
Cap  livf,  n.  a  prisoner     [iour 
Car  ri(7ge,?i.  a  vehicle ;  behav- 
Ciir  rot,  n.  a  garden  root 
Cai-  ry,  v.  to  bear,  convey 
Cas  tie,  77.  a  house  fortified 
Cat  tie,  n.  beasts  of  pasture 
Cav  ern,  n.  a  hollow  place  in 

the  ground  [centre 

Cen  tnd,  a.   relating  to    the 
Cen  tre,  7?.  the  middle 
Clial  lengc,  ».  a   summons  to 

fight 
Chand  ler,   n.  a   person  who 

deals  in  candles  [stream 
Chan  nel,  ?i.  course  for  a 
Chap  el,  71.  a  place  of  worship 
Chap  ter,?7. a  division  of  a  book 
Cher  ish,  v.  to  su])port,  nurse 
Cher  ry,  n.  a  kind  of  fruit 
Cher  ub,  n.  a  celestial  spirit 
Cluck  en,7/.the  young  of  a  hen 
Cliil  ly,  a.  somewhat  cold      , 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  69 

SECTION  XXVII. 

An  Address  to  Parents. 

The  word  Parent,  is  of  solemn  i raport ;  and  the  rea- 
son is,  there  is  a  sacred  trust  implied  in  it.  To  be  a 
parent,  is  to  be  a  guardian  of  more  souls  than  one. 

All  the  children  which  God  hath  j.'iven  to  paients,  he 
hath  put  under  their  care  to  devote  them  to  himself  "  To 
bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  adnionitio'i  of  the  j,^crd." 

Consider,  you  who  are  parents,  the  importance  of 
your  trust ;  train  up  the  tender  ofiopring  committed  to 
your  care,  in  morality  and  virtue. 

Upon  you  it  depends  whether  the  child  of  your  bo- 
som, shall  be  a  blessing,  or  a  curse  to  yourselves  ;  a 
useful,  or  a  worthless  member  to  the  community. 

Prepare  him  early  with  instruction,  and  season  his 
mind  with  the  maxims  of  truth.  Watch  the  bent  of  his 
inclination,  set  him  right  in  his  youth,  and  let  no  evil 
habit  gain  strength  with  his  years. 

Be  reasonable  in  your  commands,  if  you  expect  a 
ready  obedience.  Severity  and  rigour  may  create  fear, 
but  can  never  command  his  love. 

Mix  kindness  with  reproof,  and  reason  with  authority ; 
so  shall  your  admonitions  take  place  in  his  heart,  and 
his  duty  shall  become  his  pleasure. 

Then  shall  he  rise  Uke  a  cedar  on  the  mountains  ; 
his  head  shall  be  seen  above  the  trees  of  the  forest. — 
The  soil  is  your  own,  let  it  not  want  cultivation  ;  the 
seed  which  you  sow,  that  also  shall  you  reap. 

Teach  him  obedience,  and  he  shall  bless  you ;  teach 
him  modesty,  and  he  shall  not  be  ashamed.  Teach 
him  gratitude,  and  he  shall  receive  benefits  ;  teach  him 
charity,  and  he  shall  gain  love. 

Teach  him  temperance,  and  he  shall  liave  health ; 
teach  him  prudence,  and  fortune  shall  attend  him.  Teach 
him  justice,  and  he  shall  be  honoured  by  the  world ;  teach 
him  sincerity,  and  his  own  heart  shall  not  reproach  him. 
Teach  him  diligence,  and  his  wealth  shall  increase  ; 
teach  him  benevolence,  and  his  mind  shall  be  exalted. 
Teach  him  science,  and  his  life  shall  be  useful ;  teach 
him  religion,  and  his  death  shall  be  happy. 


70  TJH:   AMTIllCAN    LXSTRL'CTER 

SECTION  XXVIII. 

Kir/f  r.nd  Poor. 

The  man  to  ulioniGo-J  iialli  given  riches,  andblessed 
with  a  mind  to  employ  tliem  ariglit,  is  peculiarly  favour- 
ed, and  highly  distinguished.  He  looks  on  his  wealth 
with  pleasure,  because  it  affords  him  the  moans  to  do  good. 

He  protects  the  poor  that  are  injm-ed,  and  suffers  not 
the  mighty  to  opjiress  the  weah.  He  seeks  out  objects 
of  compassion,  and  inquires  into  their  wants  ;  he  re- 
lieves them  with  judgement,    and  without  ostentation. 

He  assists  and  rewards  merit  ;  he  encourages  inge- 
nuity, and  liberally  promotes  every  useful  design.  He 
employs  the  labourer,  he  forms  new  schemes,  and  the 
arts  receive  improvement. 

He  considers  the  superfluities  of  his  table  as  belong- 
ing to  the  poor  of  his  neighbourhood,  and  he  defrauds 
them  not.  The  benevolence  of  his  mind  is  not  checked 
by  his  fortune  ;  be  rejoices  therefore  in  riches,  and  his 
joy  is  blameless. 

But  wo  unto  him  that  heaps  up  wealth  in  abundance, 
and  rejoices  alone  in  the  possession  thereof;  that  grinds 
the  face  of  the  poor,  and  considers  not  the  sweat  o. 
their  brow.  He  thrives  on  0})pression  without  feeling ; 
the  ruin  of  his  brother  distur!)s  him  not. 

He  regards  not  the  tears  of  t'ue  orpiian,  nor  the  cries 
of  the  widow  :  his  heart  is  hardened  with  the  love  o* 
wealth  ;  no  grief  nor  distress  can  make  any  impression 
upon  it. 

But  the  curse  of  iniquity  pursues  iiiin  :  he  lives  in 
continual  fear  ;  the  anxiety  of  iiis  mind,  and  the  ra})a- 
cious  desires  of  his  own  soul,  take  vengeance  upon  him, 
for  the  calamities  he  has  brought  upon  others.  Oh  ! 
what  are  the  miseries  of  poverty,  in  comparison  with 
the  gnawings  of  this  man's  heart  ! 

Let  the  poor  man  comfort  himself,  yen,  rejoice  ;  for 
he  hath  many  reasons.  He  sits  down  to  his  morsel  in 
peace  ;  his  table  is  not  crowded  with  (latterers  and  de- 
vourers.  He  is  not  embarrassed  with  a  train  of  depen- 
dants, nor  teased  with  the  clamours  of  solicitation. 

jDebarred  from  the  dainties  of  the  rich,  he  also  escapes 


THE   AMERICAN    LXSTRUCTER.  '  It 

their  diseases.  The  bread  that  he  eats,  is  sweet  to  his 
tasre ;  the  water  he  drinks,  is  pleasant  to  his  thirst  5 
yea,  far  more  delicious  than  the  richest  draughts  of  the 
hixurious. 

His  labour  preserves  his  health,  and  procures  him  a 
repose,  to  which  the  downy  bed  of  sloth  is  a  stranger,. 
He  limits  his  desires  with  humility  j  and  the  calm  of 
contentment  is  sweeter  to  his  soul,  than  the  acquire- 
ments of  wealth  and  grandeur. 

Let  not  the  rich,  therefore,  presume  on  his  riches, 
nor  the  poor  despond  in  his  poverty  ;  for  the  providence 
of  God  dispenses  happiness  to  tisem  both,  and  the  dis- 
tribution thereof  is  more  equally  made,  than  is  gen- 
erally imagined. 


'  SECTION  XXIX. 

Select  Sentences. 

A  WISE  man  will  desire  no  more  than  what  he  may 
get  justly,  use  soberly,  distribute  cheerfully^  and  live 
upon  contentedly. 

Beauty,  as  a  flowery  blosbom,  soon  fades;  but  the  di*- 
vine  excellences  of  the  mind,  like  the  medicinal  virtues 
of  a  plant,  remain  in  it  when  all  those  charms  are  with* 
ered. 

It  is  more  difficult  to  repair  a  credit  that  is  once  sha- 
ken, than  to  keep  in  a  flourishing  condition  that  ^IBlicil 
was  never  blasted. 

If  the  mind  is  well  cultivated,  it  produces  a  store  of 
fruit ;  if  neglected,  it  is  overrun  with  weeds. 

Let  no  man  be  confident  of  his  own  merit ;  for  the 
best  sometimes  err.  Let  no  man  rely  too  much  upon  his 
own  judgement ;  for  tlie  wisest  are  sometimes  deceived. 

Men  love  to  act  from  their  own  Judgement,  and  are 
always  most  inclined  to  those  that  are  of  tlie  same  opin- 
ion with  themselves. 

The  higher  character  a  person  supports,  the  more 
he  siioald  regard  lus  minutest  actions. 

We  are  ail  surrounded  and  beset  with  evils  ;  and  as 
they  cannot  be  avoided,  tiie  mind  ought  to  be  prepared 
to  encounter  them. 


m  THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER. 

Let  not  your  expectations  from  the  years  that  are  to 
come,  rise  too  high  ;  and  your  di3appointraents  will  be 
lewer,  and  more  easily  supported. 

Moderation,  vitrilance,  and  self-go<;emment,  are  du- 
ties incumbent  on  all ;  but  especially  on  such  as  are  be- 
ginning the  journey  of  life. 

Be  not  proud  of  the  gracefulness,  strength  and  beau- 
ty of  thy  body,  which  a  little  sickness  can  weaken  and 
deform. 

Never  insult  the  unfortunate,  especially  when  they 
implore  relief  or  assistance.  If  you  cannot  grant  their 
requests,  refuse  them  mildly  and  tenderly. 

Pity  the  sorrows  and  sufferings  of  the  poor  ;  disdain 
not  to  enter  (heir  wretched  abodes,  i)or  to  listen  to  their 
moving  lamentations. 

Wliile  blessed  with  health  and  prosperity,  cultivate  a 
humble  and  compassionate  disposition :  think  of  the  dis- 
tresses of  human  life,  of  the  solitary  cottage,  the  dying 
parent,  and  the  weeping  orphan. 

If  we  ought  to  be  grateful  for  services  received  from 
our  friends,  how  should  our  hearts  glow  with  thankful- 
ness to  him  who  has  given  us  being,  and  all  the  blessings 
we  enjoy  ! 

A  contented  mind,  and  a  good  conscience,  will  make 
a  m:ni  ha})py  in  all  conditions. 

'-IjliC  temperate  man's  pleasures  are  durable,  because 
they  are  r(?giilar  ;  and  his  life  calm  and  serene,  because 
it  is  innocent. 

True  chccrfdhicss  makes  a  man  happy  in  himself, 
and  promotes  the  happiiicss  of  all  around  him.  It  is 
the  clear  and  calm  sunshine  of  a  mind  illuminated  by 
piety  and  virtue. 

Out  of  your  acquaintance,  choose  familiars  :  and  out 
of  your  familiars,  select  friends. 

Among  all  human  rujoymcnts,  nothing  is  so  rare, 
bO  valuable,  and  so  necL-ssury    as  a  true  friend. 

A  true  friend  is  a  grtat  comfort  in  solitude,  au  excel- 
lent assistant  in  business,  and  tlic  best  protection  a/^ains* 
injuries  :  he  is  a  couusellor  in  difliculties,  and  a  sanc- 
tuary in  distress. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


7S 


SECTION  XXX. 

Words  of  two  syllables,  accented  on  the  first ;  Conttnueet, 

2  1 

Diz  zy,  a.  giddy,  thoughtless 


a  passage 


for 


Chim  ncy,  n 

smoke 
Cis  tern,  n.  a  vessel  to  hold 

water 
Cit  y,  n.an  incorporated  town 
Civ  il,  a.    complaisant,   well 

bred 
Clara  our,  n.  outcry,  noise 
Clat  ter,  v.  to  make  a  confus- 
ed noise 
Cler  gy,  n.  the  whole  order 

or  body  of  divines 
Clum  5y,  a.  unhandy 
CluS  ter,  n.  a  bunch,  heap 
Cour  age,  n.  bravery,  valour 
Cred  it,  n.  reputation,  belief 
Crim  son,  n.  deep  red  colour 
Crip  pie,  n.  a  lame  person 
Crit  ick,  •n.    one    skilled   in 

criticism 
Cun  ning,  a.  skilful,  crafty 
Cur  tain,  n.  furniture  of  a  bed 

or  window 
Damp  ness,  n.  moisture 
Daz  zle,  v.  to  overpower  with 

light  [tal 

Dead  ly,  a.  destructive,  mor- 
De&t  or,'?*,  one  who  is  in  debt 
Des  ert,  n.   a   wilderness ;  a. 

wild,  waste 
Die  tion,  h.  style,  expression 
Dif  fer,  V.    to  be    unlike  ;  to 

disagree 
Dim  ness,  ?i.  dullness  of  sight 
Dii  cord,  71.  disagreement 
Dis  count,   71.  an   alk  wcince, 

drawback  [sp]i)ning 

Dis  tall,    n.   a    stsff  used    in 
Dis  trict,  7i.  circuit,  territory 
Dit  ty,  n,  a  song,  }ioern 
T 


Doub  le,  a.  twofold,  twice  as 
much  [ful 

Dread  ful,  a.  terrible,  fright- 
Dun  geon,  n.  a    dark    close 

prison 
Dus  ty,  a.  clouded  with  dust 
Dwel  ling,  n.  a  habitation 
EcA  o,  n.  a  sound  returned 
Effort,  71.  attempt,  exertion 
Em  blem,  n.  a  representation; 

allusive  picture 
Em  pire,  w.  the  region  over 
which  dominion  is  extend- 
ed ;  imperial  power 
Emp  ty,  a.  not  full,  void 
End  less,  a.  without  end 
En  gine,  ?i.  a  machine  ;  agent 
Eng  lish,  [e  like  i]  a.  relating 
to  the  country,   people,  or 
language  of  England 
En  trance,  n.  passage 
En  vy,  n.  vexation  at  anoth- 
er's good 
Er  rour.  n.  a  mistake,  blunder 
Es  sa?/,  ?i.  attempt,experiment 
Eth  icks,  71.  the   doctrine    of 
morality  [away 

Ex  it,  n.  departure,  a   going 
Ex  tant,  a.    now  in    being ; 
standing  out  to  view  ■     [ed 
Ex  tracl,«.  substance  extract- 
Frc  tion,  71.  discord,  a  party 
Fac  tioiJs,  a.  given  to  fnction 
Fam  inc,  ??,  sc.rrity  of  ff^od 
Fan  cy,  «,  imagination,  whim 
Fash  ion,  n,  custom,  form 
F;it  ten.  v.  to   make  or  grow. 

fleshy 
FeaTH  er,?^.the  plume  of  birds 


74 


I'HE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTEB. 


Fel  on,  n.  one  guilty  of  a  cap- 
ital crime 
Fer  ry,  n.  a  place  for  passing 

a  river  or  lake 
•Fer  tile,  a.  fruitful 
Fer  vent,  a.  ardent,  vehement 
Fie  kle,   a.  changeable,  un- 
steady 
Fie  tion,  n.  a  story  invented, 

device,  falsehood 
Fid  die,  n.  a  musical  instru- 
ment Oype 
Fig  ure,  n.  a  number ;  shape ; 
Fin  ger,  [g  hard]  n.  part   of 

the  hand 
Fin  ish,  V.  to  end       [bleness 
Fit  ness,  n.  •propriety,   suita- 
Flan  nel,  71.  a  kind  of  woollen 
cloth  [ness 

Flat  ness,  n.  evenness  ;  dul- 
Flat  ten,  v.  to  make  flat 
Flat  ter,  v.  to  praise  falsely 
Flex  ilc,  a.  pliant,  easily  bent 
Flim  sy,  a.  weak,  thin 
Flip  pant,  a.  pert,  talkative 
Flour  ish,  v.  to  thrive,  adorn 
Frag  ment,  n.  a  part,  a  bro- 
ken or  imperfect  piece 
Frank  ly,  ad.  freely,  readily 
Frank  ness,  n.  plain)iess   of 

speech,  openness 
Fran  tick,  a.  mad,  distracted 
Free  klej  n.  a  spot  on  the  skin 
Fresh  ness,  71.  newness 
Fret  ful,  a.  peevish,  angry 
Friend  less,  o.  without  friends 
Friend  ly,  n.  kind  [ness 

Fn'end  ship,  71.  favour,  kind- 
Frig  ate,  n.  a  small  ship  of  war 
Fum  ble,   v.  to  do  any  tiling 

awkwardly 
Fur  long,  71.    the  eighth  part 
of  a  mile 


Fur  lough,  n.  leave  given  for 

absence  from  duty 
Fur  nish,  v.  to  supply,  equip 
Fur  ro?/7,  71.  a  trench  made  by 

a  plough 
Gal  lant,  a.  gay,  brave,  bold 
Gal  Ion,  n.  four  quarts 
Gam  bier,  7t.  a  gamester 
Gan  der,  n.  the  male  of  the 

goose 
Gar  ret,  n.  the  uppermost 
room  in  a  dwelling  [ble 
Gaxii  er,  v.  to  collect,  assem* 
Gen  tic,  a.  tame,  mild,  meek 
Gen  try,  h.  a  class  of  people 

above  the  vulgar 
Ges  ture,    [t  like  tsh]  7i.  ac- 
tion, motion,  posture 
Gib  bet,  n.  a   gallows  to  ex- 
pose criminals 
Gid  dy,  [  g  hard]  a.  heedless 
Gild  ing,  [g  hard]  n.  gold  or 
silver  laid  on  for  ornament 
Gim  let,  [g  hard]  n.  an  instru- 
ment to  bore  with 
Gin  glc,  V.  to  make  a  sharp 
clattering  noise  [fully 

Glad  ly,  ad.  joyfully,  cheer- 
Glad  ness,  H.  exultation,  joy 
Glim  mer,  v.  to  shin<!  faintly 
Gram  mar,  n.  the  science   of 
spe;iking  or    writing     cor- 
rectly 
Grap  pie,  v.  to  fasten,  grasp 
Gras  sy,  a.covcMcd  with  grass 
Grav  ("1,  II.  coarse  hard  sand 
Grid  die,  n.   a   pan  to  bake 

cakes  in 
Grim  ness,  n.  f.ig'atfulness  of 

couulonance 
Grum  ble,  v.  to  inurnuir 
Gwilt  less,  a.  innocent        [ed 
^ ' ''U  0';  "•  ""'  innocefitj  wick 


'i\ii:  .\:iiEinc^\^  Ix^:T!Il  c;  ki;. 


Gwin  e«.  77.  a  pokl  coin  ' 

Gun  smith,  ri.  one  who  makes  | 
guns  j 

Gus  set,  n.  pari  of  a  garment  i 
Gutter,  }i.  a  passage  for  water  ; 
Habit,?*,  customary  use,  stale 

of  any  thing,  dress 
Had  dock,  ii.  u  sea-fislt 
Hag  gle,  r>.  to  mangle 
Hal  low,  V.  to  consecrate 
Ham  let,  7i.  a  small  village 
Ham  mer,  n.  an  instrument  to 

drive  nails 
Han  dy,  a.  ready,  skilful 
Hap  pcn,y.  to  come  to  pass 
Hap  py,  a.  blessed,  pleased 
Har  ro?i',  n.  an  instrument  of 

husbandry 
Hafch  et,  n.  a  small  axe  j 

Hat  ter,  n.  a  maker  of  hats     j 
Haz  ard,  ij.  danger,  chance     j 
Head  stall,  n.  part  of  a  bridle  j 
Health  y,a.free  from  sickness 
Heav  y,  a.  weighty  ;  drowsy 
Hetf  er,  n.  a  young  cow 
Hel  met,  n.  armour   for  the 

head 
Help  er,  n.  an  assistant 
Help  less,  a.  destitute  of  help; 

wantingpower  or  assistance 
Hence  forth,    ad.    from    this 

time  forward 
Her   bage,  n.    herbs,   grass, 

pasture  [person 

Her  mit,  h.  a  solitary  devout 
Her  ring,  n.  a  small  sea-fish 
Hin  der,  v.  to  prevent,  stop 
HiTH  er,  ad.  to  this  place 
,  Hud  die,  V.  to  crowd  together 
I      in  a  confused  manner 
I  Hun  dred,  a.  ten  times  ten 
p  Hun  ger,  [g  hard]  n.  a  desire 
'      of  food 


Ihui  gry,  a.  fteling   pain    for 

want  of  Ibod  [animal. 

Ilun  ter,  n.  one    who    chase: 

ll\n"  ry,    ii.    haste,  bustle  ;  v 

tu  iiasieu 
[lurt  ful,*(7.  injurious 
llns  band,  «..u  married  man 
Hus  tie,  T,  to.  shake  together 
III  ness,  n.  sickness 
Im  pnlsr.    )i.     communicated 

force,  motion,  idea 
In  conif,  n.  revenue,  rent 
In  cense,  n.  a  perfume  offered 

to  some  deity 
In  de.v,  n.thc  table  of  contents 
to  a  book;  a  mark  thus(  dj^") 
In  fant.  ?i.  a  youuG;  chLl<l 
In  get,  71.  a  mass  of  metal 
Injure,  V.  to  annoy,  to  hurt 
unjustly  [ink 

Ink  stand,  n.  a  vessel  to  hold 
In  let,  rt.  a  passage,  entrance 
In  most,  a.  deepest  within,  re- 
motest 
In  nor,  a.  interiour 
Inquest,   ?i.  judicial  inquiry 
Jn  rortd,  ?;.  sudden  invasion 
In  sect,  /.',  a  small  creeping  oi 

flying  anijiia' 
In  side,  ri.  tlic  interiour  part 
In  sight,    n.    an     inspection, 

view,  knowledc.-e 
In  stance,  n.  exaniplc 
In  slant,   n.  the  present    mo- 
ment or  month  ;  a  momenf 
In  step,  n.  the  upper  part  ot 

the  foot 
In  stinct,  n.   a  natural  desiro 

or  aversion 
In  suit,  n.  insolence,  abuse 
In  to,  pr.  noting  entrance 
In  voice,    n.  a  bill  or    list   of 
j    goods  with  the  price  annexed 


70 


VllE  A;\ILRICA^  INSTiUCTKK. 


Issue,[ish  shu]«.  termination, 
end  ;  v.  to  come  or  send  out 
Ist/t  mus,  n.    a  neck  of  land 
joining   larger  portions  of 
land 
Jab  ber,  v.  to  talk  idly 
Jack  et,  n.    a    waistcoat  ;  a 
-    kind  of  short  close  coat 
Jeal  ous,  rt.  suspicious  [noise 
Jin  gle,  V.  to  make  a  reittling 
Jour  nal,  n.  a  diary,    book, 

newspaper 
Jour  ney,   n.  a  passage  from 

one  place  to  another 
Jug  gle,  V.  to  play   tricks  by 

sleight  of  hand 
Jus  ticc,  n.  equity,  right  ;  an 
officer  ^       [l.y 

Just  ly.  a4.  uprightly,  honest- 
Ket  tlV,  n.  a  kitchen  vessel  to 
^  boil  things  in 
Kid  nap,  v.  to  steal  persons 
Kin  die,  v.  to  set  on  fire 
Kin  dred,  n.  relation 
King  dom,  n.  the  dominion  of 
'    a  king 

King  ly,  a.  royal,  noble 
Ki«ch  en,  n.    a  room  where 

provisions  are  cooked 
Kit  ten,  71.  a  young  cat 
Lad  der,n.  a  frame  made  with 

steps  for  climbing 
Lan  cet,  ?*.  a  surgical  instru- 
ment to  let  blood 
Land  lord,  ?i.  the  master   of 
an  inn  ;  an  owner  of  land 
or  houses 
Land  tax,  n.  a  tax  put  upon 

land  and  houses 
Lan  guage,  n.  human  spoecli 
Lan  guid,  a.  faint,  weak 
Lan  guish,  v.  to  grow  feeble 
Lan  guor,  v.  faintnoss 


Lan  tern,?i.a  case  for  a  candle 
Lap  dog,   n.   a  little  dog  for 

the  lap 
Last  ly,  ad.  in  the  last  place 
LaTH  er,  71.  froth  of  soap  and 

water 
Lat  ter,  a.  the  last  of  two 
Lav  ish,  a.  wasteful 
Leorn  ing,  «.  erudition,  skill 
in  any  thing  [ing  any  thing 
Learn  er,  n.  one  who  is  learn- 
LeaxH  er,  n.  the  hide  of  an 

animal  dressed 
Lee  ture,[t  like  tsh]  ti.  a  dis- 
course on  any  subject 
Lem  on,  n.  the  name  of  a  fruit 
Length  en,  v.  to  make  longer 
Leop  ard,n.  a  beast  of  prey 
Les  sen,  V.  to  diminish 
Les  son,  n.  a  task  to  learn  or 

read 
Les  sor,  n.  one  who  grants  a 

lease  to  another 
Let  ter,  w.  one  of  the  charac- 
ters of  the  alphabet;  a  writ- 
ten message 
Lev  el,  a.  even 
Lev  y,  V.  to  raise,  impose 
Lil  y,  n.  a  beautiful  flower 
Lnn  ber,  a.  easily  bent,  pliant 
Lim  it,  71.  a  bound,  border  ; 
V.  to  confine  within  bounds 
Linch  pin,  ti.  an    iron  pin  to 
keep  a  wheel  on  the  axletree 
Lin  en,  7i.  cloth  made  of  flax 
Lin  ger,[g  hard]  v.  to  loiter 
Lin  guist,  n.  a  person  skilled 

in  languages 
Lin  net,  ?j.a  small  singing  bird 
Liq  uid,n.  a  fluid  substance 
Liq  ?/or,   n.  strong  drink  ;  a 

liquid 
Little,  a.  small,  diminutive 


THE   AMILJUCAN    INSTRUCTER.  7f 


'  2 

Liv  ing,  n.  maintenance,  sup- 
port [animal 
Liz  ard,  n-  a  small    creeping 
Lub  ber,  n.    a   lazy    clumsy 
fellow  [nate 
Luc  ky,    a.  successful,  fortu- 
Lug  gage,  n.  any  thing  cum- 
bersome or  heavy 
Lum  ber,  n.  useless  furniture  ; 
timber,  boards,  staves,  &c 


2 

Lus  cious,  a.  sweet,  pleasing, 
rich 

Lus  tre,  n.  brightness,  gloss 

Lus  ty,  a.  large,  stout 

Mad  am,  n.  a  term  of  address 
to  a  lady 

Mad  den,  v.  to  make  mad 

Mad  ness,  7j.rage,fury,pdssioa 

Mag  ick,[g  soft]  n.  enchant- 
ment, dealing  with  spirits 


SECTION  XXXL 

The  Close  of  Life. 

When  we  contemplate  the  close  of  life,  tlie  termlafi- 
tion  of  man's  designs  and  hopes,  the  silence  that  now 
reigns  among  those  who  a  little  while  ago  were  so  bu- 
sy or  so  gay  ;  who  can  avoid  being  touclied  with  sensa- 
tions at  once  awful  and  tender  ?  What  heart  but  thefli 
warms  with  the  glow  of  humanity  ?  in  whose  eye  doth 
not  the  tear  gather,  on  revolving  the  fate  of  passing  and 
short  lived  man  f 

Behold  the  poor  man  who  lays  down  at  last  the  bur- 
den of  his  wearisome  lif€.  No  more  shall  he  gi  oan  tin- 
der the  load  of  poverty  and  toil.  No  more  sliall  he 
hear  the  insolent  calls  of  the  master,  from  whom  he  re- 
ceived his  scanty  wages.  No  more  shall  he  be  raised 
from  needful  slumber  on  his  bed  of  straw,  nor  be  hurriefi 
away  from  his  homely  meal,  to  imdergo  die  repe^tejd.  la- 
bours of  the  day. 

While  his  humble  grave  is  prepai'ing,  and  a  few  pM?pr 
and  decayed  neighbours  are  carrying  him  tliitiier,  it  i« 
good  for  us  to  think,  that  this  man  too  was  our  brother  j 
that  for  him  tlie  aged  and  destitute  wife,  and  the  needy 
children  now  weep  ;  that,  neglected  as  he  was  by  thfe 
world,  he  possessed  perhaps  both  a  sound  understand- 
ing, and  a  worthy  heart ;  and  is  now  jcarried  by  angejf. 
to  rest  in  Abraham's  bosom. 

At  no  great  distance  from  him,  the  grave  is  opetier? 
to  receive  the  rich  and  proud  man.     For,   as  it  is  &aif 
with  emphasis  in  the  parable,  <'  the  rich  man  also, ^^ 
7* 


78  ^   THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  -r 

and  was  buried."  He  also  died.  His  riches  prevented 
not  his  sharing  tlie  same  fate  with  the  poor  man  ;  per- 
haps, through  luxury,  they  accelerated  his  doom. 

Then  indeed,  "  the  mourners  go  about  the  streets  ;" 
and  while,  in  all  the  pomp  and  magnificence  of  wo,  his 
funeral  is  preparing,  his  heirs,  impatient  to  examine  his 
will  are  loolung  one  on  another  with  jealous  eyes,  and 
are  already  beginning  to  dispute  about  the  division  of 
his  substance. 

One  day  we  see  carried  along  the  coffin  of  the  smi- 
Kug  infant;  the  flower  just  nipped  as  it  began  to  blos- 
som in  its  parent's  view:  and  the  next  day  we  behold 
the  young  man,  or  young  woman,  of  blooming  form 
and  promising  hopes,  laid  in  an  untimely  grave. 

While  the  funeral  is  attended  by  a  numerous  uncon- 
cerned company,  who  are  discoursing  to  one  another 
about  the  news' of  the  day,  or  the  ordinary  affairs  ol 
Kfe,  let  our  thoughts  rather  follow  to  the  house  of  mourn- 
ing, and  represent  to  themselves  what  is  passing  there. 

There  we  should  see  a  disconsolate  family  sitting  in 
silent  grief,  thinking  of  the  sad  breach  that  is  made  in 
their  little  society ;  and,  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  look- 
ing to  the  chamber  that  is  now  left  vacant,  and  to  every 
memorial  that  presents  itself  of  their  departed  friend. 
By  such  attention  to  the  woes  of  others,  the  selfish 
hardness  of  our  hearts  will  be  gradually  softened,  and 
melted  down  into  humanity. 

Another  day  we  follow  to  the  grave,  one  who  in  old 
age,  and  after  a  long  career  of  life,  has,  in  full  maturity, 
sunk  at  last  into  rest.  As  we  are  going  along  to  the 
mansion  of  the  dead,  it  is  natural  for  us  to  think,  and 
to  discourse,  of  all  the  changes  which  such  a  person 
.has  seen  during  the  cour-^e  of  his  life. 

He  has  passed  it  is  likely,  through  varieties  of  fortune. 
jHe  has  experienced  prosperity  and  adversity.  He  has 
seen  families  and  kindreds  rise  and  fall.  He  has  seert 
peace  and  war  succeed  in  their  turns :  the  face  of  his 
country  undergoing  many  alterations,  and  the  very  city 
in  which  he  dwelt,  rising  in  a  manner,  new  around  him. 
V  After  all  be  has  beheld,  bis  evps  are  now  closed  for- 


Ks 


THE  AMERICAN  LNSTRUCTER.  7t 

ever.  He  was  becoming  a  stranger  in  the  midst  of  a 
new  succession  of  men.  A  race  who  knew  him  not,  had 
risen  to  fill  the  eartii.  Thus  passes  the  world  away. 
Throughout  all  ranks  and  conditions  ;  "one  generation 
passeth,  and  another  generation  cometh ;"  and  this  great 
inn  is  by  turns  evacuated,  and  replenished  by  troops  of 
succeeding  pilgrims. 

O  vain  aiid  inconstant  world  !  O  fleeting  and  tran- 
sient life  !  When  will  the  sons  of  men  learn  to  think  of 
thee  as  they  ought  ?  When  will  they  learn  humanity 
from  the  aftlictions  of  their  brethren  ;  or  moderation 
and  wisdom,  from  the  sense  of  their  own  fugitive  state  ? 

SECTION  XXXII. 

The  Funeral. 
How  sdlemn  is  the  scene,  when  friends  draw  near. 
To  pay  to  parted  worth  the  fun'ral  tear  ! 
How  precious  are  the  sacred  tears  that  rise^ 
And  flow  successive  from  the  mourner's  eyes. 

How  solemn  is  the  sight,  ('tis  so  to  me,) 
Extended  in  the  "  narrow  house"  to  see  ^ 

The  pale  precursor  of  our  certain  doom, 
A  silent  votary  for  the  lurid  tomb  ! 

No  language  can  describe,  no  tongue  can  tell 
The  heart's  keen  anguish  at  the  last  farewell, 
When  the  lid  closes  on  the  faded  face, 
Where  late  serenely  smil'd  each  softer  grace. 

Plac'd  on  the  sable  hearse,  the  mournful  throng, 
In  sad  procession,  slowly  move  along; 
Bow'd  down  with  sorrow,  to  the  grave  repair, 
And  leave  their  fellow  friend  to  moulder  there. 

Then  home  return : — Oh  !  what  a  blank  appears ! 
The  heart  then  gives  the  few  remaining  tears ; 
How  gloomy  all,  where  late  so  sweetly  smil'd 
The  lovely  friend,  that  ev'ry  care  beguil'd  ! 

Those  who  have  lost  what  worlds  cannot  supply, 
C  an  give  the  sympathetick  tear  and  sigh  : 
Though  friendship  can  a  soothing  balm  impart, 
*Tis  Heav'n  alone  can  Jieal  the  mour»er's  heart. 


«0 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER 


SECTIOIN   XAAIU. 

The  Rose. 
How  fair  is  the  rose,  what  a  beautiful  flower ! 

In  Summer  so  fragrant  and  gay  ! 
But  the  leaves  are  beginning  to  fade  in  an  hour, 

And  they  wither  and  die  in  a  day. 

Yet  die  rose  has  one  powerful  virtue  to  boast, 

Above  all  the  flowers  of  the  field  : 
When  its  leaves  are  all  dead,  and  its  fine  colours  lost, 

Still  how  sweet  a  perfume  it  will  yield. 

So  frail  are  the  youth  and  the  beauty  of  men. 
Though  they  bloom  and  look  gay  like  the  rose ; 

Yet  all  our  fond  care  to  preserve  them  is  vain. 
Time  kills  them  as  fast  as  he  goes. 

Then  I'll  not  be  proud  of  my  youth  or  my  beauty, 
Since  both  of  them  wither  and  fade  ; 

But  gain  a  good  name  by  performing  my  duty  ; 
This  will  scent  like  the  rose  when  I'm  dead. 

— Q«©- 

SECTION  XXXIV. 

Words  of  two  syllables^  accented  on  the  first ;  Continued, 


Mag  net,  n.  the  loadstone 
Mag  pie,  n.  the  name  ofabird 
Mai  ice,  n.  ill  will,  hatred 
Mai  let,  71.  a  wooden  hammer 
Man  age,7;.to  conduct,  govern 
Man  date,  n.  a  command, pre- 
cept [ing 
Man  ful,  a.  bold,  stout,  dar- 
Man  gle,  v.  to  lacerate,  to  cut 

or  tear  in  pieces 
Man  ly,  a.  brave,  noble 
Man  ner,  n.  form,  method 
JVlan  ners,  n.  behaviour,  con- 
duct 
Man  sion,  n.  a  dwelling  house, 

abode 
Man  tie,  n.  a  kind  of  cloak 
Man  y,[a  like  e]  a.  numerous, 
•everal 


Mar  row,  n.  a  substance    in 
bones  [subject 

Mat  tcr,  n.    body,  substance. 
Max  im,  n.  a  general  princi- 
ple, rule* 
Mead  ow,  n.  a  grass-field  from 

which  hay  is  made 
Me«s  uro,  [s  like  zh]  n.  that 
by  which  any  thing  is  meas- 
ured ;  V.  to  compute,  allot 
Med  al,  7^.  an   ancient   coin; 
a  piece  stam})nd  in  honour 
of  some    remarkable  per- 
formance 
Mel  \oiv,  a.  soft,  fully  ripe 
Mel  on,  n.  a  kind  of  fruit 
Mem  ber,  n.  a  limb,  a  part 
Men  tal,  a.   belonging 
mind,  intellectual 


t* 


THE  AMERICAN  IKSTRUCTER. 


81 


Men  tion,  v.  to  express  in 
words  or  writing ;  n,  an 
expression 

Mer  chant,  re.  one  who  deals 
in  merchandise       [pardon 

Mer  cy,  n.  pity,  compassion, 

Mer  it,  11.  desert,  reward  ;  v. 
to  deserve  [cheerful 

Mer  ry,    a.    gay,    laughing, 

Mes  sage,  re.  an  errand 

Mess  mate,  re.  one  who  eats 
with  another  [body 

Met  al,    n.    a  hard   compact 

Meth  od,  n.  order,  rule 

Mid  day,  re.  noon 

Mid  night,  re.  the  middle  of 
the  night  [a  mill 

Mil  ler,  re.  one  who  attends 

Mil  let,  re.  a  plant ;  a  kind  of 
fish  [sand 

Mill  ion,  re.  ten  hundred  thou- 

Mill  stone,  re.  the  stone  by 
which  grain  is  ground 

Mim  ick,  V.  to  imitate,  ridi- 
cule ;  n.  one  who  imitates 
another 

Min  gle,  V.  to  mix,  join 

Min  ute,  re.  the  sixtieth  part 
of  an  hour 

Mir  ror,  re.  a  looking-glass 
-Mis  chief, n.  disturbance,harm 

Mis  sion,  re.  a  commission,  le- 
gation 

Mis  tress,   re.   a  woman  who 
governs  ;  a  woman  teacher 
Mis  ty,  a.  cloudy,  damp 
Mit  tens,  re.  covering  for  the 

hands 
Mud  dy,  a.  dirty,  thick 
Muf  flc,  t;.    to    wrap    up,  to 
blindfold 

.   Mum  ble,   V.    to  mutter  ;  to 
spf  ak  inwardly 


Murder,  n.  the  act  of  killing 
unlawfully ;  v.   to  kill  un- 
lawfully [ble 
JVIur  nmr,  v,  to  mutter,  grum- 
Mus  ket,  re.   a  soldier's  hand- 
gun 
Mus  lin,  n.  a  fine  kind  of  cloth 
made  of  cotton             [seed 
Mus  tard,  n.  a  plant  and  its 
Mus  ty,    a.   mouldy,  spoiled 

with  damp 
Mut  ter,  V.  to  grumble 
Mut  ton,  n.  the  flesh  of  sheep 
Neck  lace,    re.    an    ornament 
worn  by  women  on  the  neck 
Neph  ew,  [nev  vu]  re.  the  son 

of  a  brother  or  sister 
NcTH  er,  a.  lower,  not  upper 
Net  tie,  71.  a  stinging  herb 
Nev  er,  ad.  at  no  time 
Nib  ble,  v.  to  eat  slowly  ,bite  at 
Nick  name,  re.  a  name  given 

in  contempt    ♦ 
Nim  ble,  a.  quick,  active    [ly 
Nim  bly,  ad.  quickly,  speedi- 
Num  ber,   re.   the   species  of 
quantity  by  which  it  is  com- 
puted  how    many;   v.   to 
count,  reckon 
Num6   ness,  n.   stupefaction, 

torpor,  deadness 
Nup  tial,    a.     pertaining     to 

marriage 
Nup  tials,  re.  marriage 
Nur  ture,  [t  like  tsh]  n.   edu- 
cation ;    food,   diet ;  v.  to 
bring  up,  to  educate 
Pack  et,  re.  a  mail  of  letters  ;^ 
a  coasting  vessel  for  pas- 
sengers 
Pad  die,  v.  to  row ;  to  play  in 

■water  ;  re.  an  oar 
Pad  lock,  re,  a  hanging  lor  k 


B2 


tllK    AMLRICAN    INSTRUC'TKR. 


Pal  ace,  w.  a  royal  or  s]l!MKlid 

house 
Pam  phlct,  n.  a  small  book 
Pan  cake,  n.  a  kind    of  thin 
cake  baked  or  fried  in  a  pan 
Par  rot,  n.  a  kind  of  bird 
Pas  sage,  //.  a  clause  or  sen- 
tence ;  act  of  passing 
Pas  sion,  n.  anger,  zeal,  ar- 
dour, love  [ferjng 
Passive,  a.    submissive,  suf- 
Pciss  port,  n.  a  permission  in 

writing  to  pass 

pas  time,  71.  amusement,  sport 

Pas  tor,  n.  a    minister    of  a 

congregation ;  a  shepherd 

Pas  ture,  [t  like  tsh]   n.  land 

on  which  cattle  feed 
Pat  ent,  n.  a  grant  of  an  ex- 
clusive right  [ample 
Pat  tern,  n.  a  specimen,  ex- 
Peas  ant,  n.  one  who  lives  by 

rural  labour 
Peb  ble,n.  a  sort  of  hard  stone 
Ped  die,  v.  to  travel  and   re- 
tail goods 
Pen  cil,  n. a  small  brush  of  hair 

for  drawing  and  painting 
Pen  ^nife,  n.  a  knife  used  to 

cut  pens 
Pen  man,  n.  a  writer 
Pen  ny,  71.  the  twelfth  part  of 

a  shilling 
Pen  sion,  n.   a  settled  yearly 

allowance 
Pen  sivc,  a.  sorrowful 
Pep  per,  n.  a  spice,    plant  of 

many  kinds 
Per  il,  n.  danger,  hazard 
Per  ish,  v.  to  decay,  die 
Per  son,  n.  a  human  being,  an 

individual 
Pes  Xt:r,  V.  tp  plague,  disturb 


Pes  ^le,  n.  an  instrument  with 
which  any  thing  is  broken 
in  a  mortar 
Pet  tish,  a.  fretful,  peevish 
Pot  ty,  a.  small,  trilling 
Pheo5  ant,  n.  the  name  of  a 

bird 
Ph\h\s  ick,  11.  a  consumption ; 

shortness  of  breath 
Pic  kle,  n.  a    thing  pickled, 

brine 
Pic  ture,  [t  like  tsh]  n.  a  re- 
semblance in  colours 
Pig  con,  [g  soft]  n.  a  kind  01 

bird 
Pil  fer,  V.  to  steal 
Pil  lage,  n,  plunder  ;  v.  to  rob 
Pil  lar,  71.  a  column,  prop 
Pill  ion,   71.    a  soft  saddle,   a 
cushion  [head  on 

Pil  \oic,  71.  a  thing  to  lay  the? 
Pirn  pie,  71.  a  small  red  pustule 
Pin  ion,i'.  to  bind,  shackle,tio 
Pis  mire,  n.  an  ant ;  emmet 
Pis  tol,  71.  a  small  hand-gun 
Pi^ch  fork,  n.  a  fork  to  pitch 

hay  with 
Pi^ch  cr,  7t.  an  earthen  vessel 
Pith  y,  a.  consisting  of  pith  ; 
cncrgetick,  forcible  [thy 
Pit  y,  71.  compassion,  synipa- 
I'iv  ot,  7t.  a  pin  on  which  any 

thing  turns 
Plan  ct,  71.   a    star  which  re- 
volves   round  a   centre  ia 
an    orbit 
Plan  trtin,  11.  an  herb 
Plant  er,  /».  a  farmer,  one  who 

cultivates 
Plas  ter,  w.  lime  prepared   to 

cover  walls  ;  a  salve 
Plat  form,?/. a  horizontal  plan« 
Plat  ter,  n.  a  largo  flat  dinh 


THU    A.MI:RICA.\    t  \SlRli"lTR. 


83 


Pleas  ant,  a.  deliLMitfiil  1 

Pleas  ure,  [s  like  zli]  n.    de- 
light, gratificatiiin 
Plen  ty,  ;«.  abuiulaiice  ; 

Plum  met,  m.  a  leaden  weipht 
or  pencil  [by  i"oice  ' 

Plun  der,  r.  to  ))illa<ie,  to  rob  | 
Prac  ticc,  ?;,  habitual  use, rule  I 
Prac  tist',  v.  to  do  habitually  I 
Prat  tie,  r.  to  talk  lightly,  to  j 
chatter  j 

Pre  cious,  a.  valuable,  costly  | 
Preface,  71.   au   introduction 
to  a  book  [present 

Pres  encf,  m.    state  of  being 
Pres  ent,  a.   not  absent,  face 

to  face  ;  M,  a  gift 
Pret  ty,  [e  like  i]a.  beautiful, 

neat ;  ad.  in  some  degree 
Prim  er,  71.  a  small  book  for 

children 
Prim  rose,  n.  a  flower 
Prince  ly,  ad.  royal,  grand 
Prin  cess,  n.  the  daughter  of 
a  king,  the  wife  of  a  prince 
Print  er,  n.  one  who  prints 
Pris  on, 11.  a  jail,  place  of  con- 
finement 
Pub  lish,  V.  to  make  known 
Pub  lick,  n.  the  body  of  a  na- 
tion ;  a.  not  private,  open, 
common 
Pulp  ous,  a.  soft 
Pun  ish,  V.  to  chastise,  correct 
Pup  py,  n.  a  whelp,  dog 
Pur  blind,  a.  near-sighted 
Pur  chase,  v.  to  buy,  to  obtain 

for  a  price 
Pur  lieu,  n.  border,  enclosure 
Pur  pie,  a.  red  tinctured  with 

blue 
Pur  port,  «.  design,  meaning 
Pus  tule,[t  like  tshjw. a  pimple 


Put  ty,  n.  n   kind   of  cement 

used  by  glaziers 
I'uz  zle,  V.  to  perplex,  embar- 
rass ;  71.  ])erplcxity,a  riddle 
Quick  iy,ryr/.riiiubly,  speedily 
Quick  ncss,  n.  speed,  activity 
Quick  sand,  n.    a   sinking  or 

shaking  sand  [throat 

Quin  ay,  n.  a  disease  in  the 
Quiv  er,  v.  to  shake,  tremble 
Rab  bit,  /?.  a  small  furry  ani 

mal  [crowd 

Rab  ble,  11.  a  tumultuous 
Rac  kct,  n.  a  clattering  noise 
Rad  ish,?i.  the  name  of  a  root 
Raf  ter,  n.  the  roof  timber  of 

a  house 
Ram  ble,  x\  to  wander,  rove 
Ran  cour,  n.  malignity ,hatred 
Ran  dom,a.  done  by  chance; 

n.  want  of  direction 
Ran  sack,i'.to  plunder,  search 
Ran  som,  n.  a  price  paid  for 

liberty  ;  v.  to  redeem 
Rap  id,  a.  violent,  swift 
Rap  ture,[t  like  tsh]  n.  ecsta- 

cy,  transport  [villain 

Ras  cal,   n.    a   mean  fellow, 
Rash  ness,  n.  hastiness 
RaTH  er,  ad.  more  willingly 
Rats  bane,  n.  arsenick,  poison 
Rat  tie,  V.  to  make  a   noise, 

to  clatter 
Rav  age,  v.  to  lay  waste,  spoil, 

plunder 
Read  y,  a.  prepared,  willing 
Reb  cl,  n.  one  who  opposes 

lawful  authority 
Rec  kon,  v.  to  count,compute 
Rec  ord,  n.  a  register,  authen- 

tick  enrolment 
Rec  tor,  h.  a   minister  of  r 

parish,  ruler 


Hi 


THE  ABIERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


RefugCj?/.  shelter  from  danger 
Rel  isli,  V.  to  give  a  taste  to 

any  tiling;  n.  taste, liking 
Rorn  nant,  n.  what  is  left 
Rep  tile,  n.  a  creeping  thing 
Res  cut',  V.  to  set  free  frmn 

danger 
Res  pitC;  n.  a  reprieve,  pause ; 

V.  to  suspend,  put  off 
Rest  less,  a.  unquiet 
Rev  el,  V.    to   carouse  ;  7i.  a 

noisy  feast 
Rich  e.N-,  n.  wealth,  money 
Rich  ness,  ?j.  opulence,  splen- 
dour, fertility 
Rid  dlc,H.a  coarse  open  sieve ; 

a  pu/.'/,ling  odd  qu<!stion 
Rig  i/i,  [g  scfi]  a.  strict,  exact 
Riv  er,  n.  a  stream  or  current 

of  water 
Riv  et,  n.  a  kind  of  pin  clench- 
ad  at  both  ends  ;  v.  to  fas- 
ten with  rivets 
Rub  bish,  n.  refuse,  the  ruius 

of  buildings 
Ruf  (Ic,  71.    plaited  linen  used 
as  an  ornanienl ;  zi.  to  dis- 
order - 
Riid  d"r,  //.the  part  that  steers 
a  ship  [noise 
RUni  bl<  ,    .     .      i!;e  a  hoaise 
Rus  tide,  i-i.  iu> ;.J.  iiidc 
Rus  ty,  a.  cow-rod  with  rust 
Sab  balh,  n.  a  (iay  of  rest  and 

worship 
Sad  dt:n,  v.  to  make  ;.  id 
Sad  die,;?,  a  seat  to  put  <m  a 
horse  IVlicly 

Sad  ritss,   /;.  si  rrow,   nu;i:ui- 
Sal  ad,??,  food  of  raw  herbs 
Sa'in  on,  n.  a  ki::d  of  fish 
Sam  pie,  /i.  a  sp"ciinen 
Sand  y,  a.  gritty,  fud  of  snud 


Sane  tion,    n.     confirmation, 

ratification 
Sap  ling,  n.  a  young  tree 
Sat  in,  11.  a  kind  of  very  soft 

shining  silk 
Saw  age,  a.  wild,  barbarous  ; 

Ji.  a  barbarian 
Scab  bard,  ?i.  a  case,  sheath 

of  a  sword 
Scan   dal,   n.    disgrace,     re- 
proachful aspersion 
Scat  ter,  v.  to  spread,  disj)erse 
Scis  sor5,   n.    a  small  pair  of 

shears 
Scrip  ture,[t  like  tsh]  71,   the 

Bible,  sacred  writings 
Sec  ond,  ji.  the  sixtieth  part  of 

a  minute;  «.  next  to  the  first 
Sec  tion,  n.  a  distinct  part  of 

a  writing  or  book,  division 
Sel  dom,  nd.  not  often,  rarely 
Sel  vage,  n.  the  edge  of  cloth 
Sen  ate,   n.    an   assembly   of 

counsellors  ;    a  branch    of 

the  congress  of  the  United 

States  [stupid 

Sense  less,  a.  void  of  sense, 
Sen  tcucc,n.ii  short  paragraph; 

a  decision;  v.  to  condemn 
Sen  try,  n.  a  watch,  guard 
Ser  aph,  n.  one  of  the  orders 

of  angels 
Ser  mon,  ».  a  pious  discourse, 

a  lecture 
S;n-  jiont,  ji.  a  snake      [other 
Ser  vant,?i'!bne  who  serves  an- 
Ses  sion,  ii.   the  act  or  time 

of  sitting 
Set  tic,  V.  to  adjust,  fix 
Seven,  a.  one  m')re  ihan  six 
;*ev  ':r,  v.  to  part  l)y  srtoleiice 
Sex  *on,  n.  rfn  oflicer  of  th« 

'liHlch 


THE  AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER.  9$ 

SECTION  XXXV. 

An  Address  to  Youth.  ^ 

How  pleasant  is  the  season  of  youth  !  Like  the  fine 
days  in  spring,  it  composes  the  prime  of  life,  and  prom- 
ises in  future  a  rich  harvest.  But  alas  !  it  passes  away 
rTilh  the  same  rapidity,  and  the  hopes  it  raises  are  often 
deceitful.  In  the  moral,  as  in  the  natural  world,  the  fi- 
nest blossoms  do  not  always  produce  the  fruit  we  had 
reason  to  expect. 

How  must  it  afilict  the  person  arrived  at  the  maturity 
of  manhood,  when  he  casts  his  eyes  over  the  days  of  His 
youth,  if  they  have  flown  away  without  improvement, 
or  if  he  has  foolishly  consumed  them  in  trifling  occupa* 
tions,  or  lost  them  in  idleness  ! 

What  more  distressing  object  can  be  held  up  to  the 
view  of  society,  than  that  of  a  man,  whose  faculties,  in- 
stead of  being  unfolded  and  enlarged  by  exercise,  are 
benumbed  by  inactivity,  or  debilitated  or  worn  out  in 
the  service  of  vice;  canning  with  him  into  the  matu- 
rer  season,  nothing  but  the  disgraceful  feelings  of  weak- 
ness, regret,  and  remorse  ? 

On  the  other  hand,  what  pleasure  a  person  experien- 
ces in  recalling  to  his  mind  the  spring  of  life,  who  has 
employed  it  in  preparing  himselffor  useful  occupations; 
and  who,  having  cultivated  the  precious  seed  which  the 
Creator  has  sown  within  him,  can  hope  to  reap  for  him- 
self and  others  the  most  excellent  fruits.  How  delight- 
ful is  the  siglit  of  such  a  man  to  every  sensible  and  vir- 
tuous person  ! 

Where  is  the  man  who  ever  repented  of  having  well 
employed  his  youth  ?  This  period  of  life,  when  passed 
in  piety  and  innocence,  procures  us  the  most  valuable 
advantages,  and  the  most  noble  pleasures.  On  the  oth- 
er hand,  many  deplore  the  loss  or  abuse  of  these  most 
favourable  days  of  their  lives,  and  bitterly  lament  over 
the  unhappy  consequences  of  youthful  errours. 

Now  is  the  season  for  sowing.  If,  at  a  more  advan- 
ced period,  you  would  not  be  reduced  to  want,  if  you 
would  not  be  a  burden  to  yourselves  and  others,  if  you 
8 


gn  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

would  gather  a  rich  and  abundant  harvest,  you  must 
sow  the  good  seed,  and  carefully  cultivate  the  ground 
which  receives  it.  You  must  adorn  your  minds  with 
wisdom,  and  your  hearts  with  ^'irtue  :  you  must  lay  in 
a  store  of  useful  knowledge,  aaid  early  acquire  a  habit 
«f  acting  justly. 

You  must  combat  evil  thoughts  before  they  gain  the 
mastery,  and  extirpate  evil  habits  before  they  have  ta- 
ken deep  root ;  endeavour  to  secure  the  love  and  esteem 
of  your  fellow  citizens,  by  a  rational,  modest,  and  regu- 
lar conduct ;  that  you  may  be  able  to  depend  in  future 
on  their  protection  and  support. 

Youth  is  the  time  for  discipline  and  preparation  ;  in 
this  season,  exercise  your  faculties  and  powers,  if  you 
wish  hereafter  to  employ  them  with  facility  and  success. 
Acquire  the  information  and  talents  for  which  you  will 
have  occasion  in  future  life  ;  and  without  wiiich  you 
will  stumble  at  every  step,  and  find  yourselves  involved 
in  a  thousand  perplexing  difliculties. 

How  important  then  is  the  present  season  of  life  ! 
Mere  wishes,  slothful  and  feeble  e (Torts,  will  not  suffice 
to  fulfil  its  duties  and  designs.  It  is  only  by  persever- 
ing endeavours,  by  a  constant  application,  and  by  an 
unshaken  firmness,  that  you  CcUi  attain  to  honour  and 
usefulness  in  the  world. 

Do  not  postpone  to  an  uncertain  hereafter,  that  which 
you  can,  and  ought  to  do  at  present.  The  time  you 
lose,  is  lost  forever  :  every  future  period  of  your  exis- 
tence, has  its  particular  em})l(nnient.  It  will  not  be 
the  time  for  sowing,  when  the  season  of  gathering  shall 
come,  nor  for  instruction,  when  you  sl'.;»ll  be  called  to 
make  use  of  your  knowledge. 

That  which  is  incninbent  on  you  to  do  at  present,  and 
which  you  neglect  because  of  its  diiiieul'.ir*,  will  Ixn^oaic 
every  year,  and  every  ^lay  more  diilicuU.  Be  ra.ctUl 
to  watch  continually  over  yourselves,  overall  the  secret 
motions  of  your  hearts  ;  suffer  not  yourselves  to  be  se- 
duced by  the  vain  pioi  ifcs  of  vice,  l)y  the  charms  of 
an  appaicnt  liberty,  or  of  tr«  aciicvous  Jo^'s.' 

Wisdom  raises  her  voice  i<>  tell  vwi,    that  the  ir.tox- 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  ST 

ication  of  sense  endures  but  for  an  instant ;  that  the  en- 
chanted cup  of  luxury  shall  not  always  be  sweet  to  J'-our 
taste  ;  thai  the  pleasure  you  find  hi  drmking  shall  sooa 
vanish,  as  a  fleeting  dream  from  which  we  are  fearfully 
awakened ;  tliat  the  liberty  with  which  you  are  flattered 
by  vice,  is  nothing  but  the  vilest  slavery  ;  and  that  its 
joys  are  all  poisoned  at  their  source. 

Therefore,  shun  vice  as  you  would  the  most  deadly 
poison.  Early  accustom  yourselves  to  self-denials  :  t(* 
bear  contradiction  and  opposition  ;  to  subdue  your  pas- 
sions, and  to  conquer  your  sensual  appetites  :  then  shall 
a  train  of  pure  and  lasting  joys  recompense  you  in 
manhood  and  old  age,  for  tlie  destructive  or  vain  grat- 
ifications which  you  have  prudently  renounced. 

Even  if  you  are  prevented,  by  an  early  death,  from 
gathermg  in  tliis  world  the  fruit  of  a  well  regulated 
youth,  you  will  obtain  a  great  advantage,  if  you  are 
prepared  to  enter  a  more  perfect  abode,  and  sufficiently 
qualified  for  the  sublime  employment  and  delicious  pleas- 
ures, which  await  the  virtuous  in  a  futui'e  existence. 

It  is  only  by  making  wisdom  and  virtue,  reason  and 
religion,  your  faithful  guides,  that  you  can  preserve 
your  innocence,  and  proceed  with  a  firm  and  persever- 
ing step  in  the  path  where  so  many  of  your  predeces- 
sors have  reaped  the  advantages  they  now  enjoy.  May 
these  faithful  guides  alwaj^s  accompany  you  in  tlie 
journey  of  life  ;  and  may  you  become  valuable  men, 
useful  citizens,  and  blessings  to  societ)', 

SECTION  XXXVL 

A  view  of  the  Starry  Heavem. 

Here  I  enjoy  a  free  view  of  the  whole  hemisphere, 
without  any  obstacle  from  below,  to  confine  the  explor- 
ing eye  ;  or  any  cloud  from  above,  to  overcast  the  spa- 
cious concave. 

It  is  true,  the  lively  vermilion  which  so  lately  streak- 
ed the  chambers  of  the  v,est,  is  all  faded.  But  the 
planets,  one  after  another,  light  up  their  lamps ;  the 
stars  advaace  in  their  glittering  train. 


18 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


Thousands  of  luminaries  shine  forth  in  successive 
splendour  ;  and  the  whole  firmament  is  kindled  into 
the  most  beautiful  glow. 

The  blueness  of  the  ether,  heightened  by  the  season 
6f  the  year,  and  ^still  more  enlivened  by  the  absence 
of  the  moon,  give  those  gems  of  heaven  the  brightesi 
lustre. 

— eQ^— 

SECTION  XXXVII. 

i    Words  of  two  syllables^  accented  on  the  first ;  Continued. 


Shac  kle,  r.  to  chiiin,  fetter 
Shac  kle5,  n.  fetters,  chains 
Shad  owy  n.  shade,  darkness 
Shal  low,  a.  not  deep  ;  silly 
She!  ter,  n.  a  place  of  safety, 
cover  ;  v.  to  cover,  defend 
j^her  iff,  n.  a  county  officer 
Shil  iing,  n.  a  silver  coin,  val- 
ue twelve  pence 
Shin  gle,  n.    a  thin  board  to 

cover  houses 
Ship  ping,  n.  vessels  for  nav- 
igation [ship 
Ship  wreck,  n.  the  loss  of  a 
Shud  der,  v.  to  quake  with 
fear                               [dow 
Shut  ter,  n.  a  cover  for  a  win- 
Shut  tie,   n.    an     instrument 
i      used  in  weaving          [with 
Sic  kle,  n.  a  hook  to  cut  grain 
Sick  ness,  n.  a  disease 
Sig  nal,n.  a  sign  that  give*  no- 
.      tice ;  a.eniinent,remarkablc 
Sil  ly,  a.  foolisli,  simple 
Sil  vcr,  71.  a  white  lianl  metal 
Sim  mer,  t\  to  boil  gfMitly 
Sim  j)le,  a.  plain,  artless,  silly 
Sin  ew,  n.  a  tendon,  nerve 
Sin  liil,  •'[.  wicked,  unholy 
Siiio;  ('!•-  71.  one  thut  sings 
iv!i  j^lo,  (;.  atone,  uomarried 


Sin  ner,  ti.  one  who  sins,  an 

offender  [on  a  seat 

Sit  ting,  n.  the  act  of  resting 

Six   pence,  n.  a  small   silver 

coin,  half  a  shilling 
Six  teen,  a.  six  and  ten 
Six  ty,  a.  six  times  ten 
Skil  ful,  a.  knowing,  experi- 
enced [boiler 
Skil  let,  ?».  a  small  kettle   or 
Skit  tish,  a.  easily  frighted 
Slan  der,   «.   false   invective, 

reproach 
Slen  der,  a.  thin,  small 
Slip  per,??. a  kind  of  loose  shoe 
Slug  gish,  a.  lazy,  slothful 
Slum  ber,  v.  to  sleep  lightly-^ 

71.  repose 
Smug  gle,  V.  to  import  or  ex- 
port goods  without  paying 
the  duties  [vish 

Snap  pish,ff. eager  to  bite,pee- 
Snuiri)()x,  71.  a  box  in  which 

sniiflis  carried 
Siiuf  f<'r.s,  71.  a  utensil  to  snufl 

candles 
Sjiar  row, ;?.  a  small  bird 
Spat  ter,  v.  to  sprinkle 
Spo  cia!,a.particular,  peculiar 
Spend  thrift,   7(    a  prodigal ; 
lavisher 


'IHE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


89 


Spin  die,   n.    an    instrument 

used  in  spinning 
Spir  it,  n.  "the   soul,  a   ghost, 

breath,  life,  courage 
Splen  did,  a.  magnificent 
Splen  dour,  n.  lustre,  magnif- 
icence 
Sprin  kle,     v.   to    scatter    in 

small  drops 
Stam  mer,  v.  to  falter  in  one's 

speech 
Stand  ard,  n.  an  ensign  of  war ; 

undoubted  authority 
Stat  uc,[stat  tshu]  n.  an  image 
Stat  ute,[stat  tshute]  n.  an  act 
of  the    legislature,  a  law, 
decree 
Stead  fast,  a.  fixed,  firm 
Stead  y,  a.  firm,  not  wavering 
Stig  ma,  n.  a  mark  of  infamy 
Stin  gy,  a.  covetous 
Stran  gle,7J.to  choke,sufrocate 
Strip  ling,  n.  a  youth 
Strug  gle,  V.   to  strive,   con- 
tend ;  n.  a  contest,  agony 
Stub  born,  a.  obstinate 
Stud  y,n.  application  to  books 
and  learning ;     an    apart- 
ment for  books  ;  v.  to  med- 
itate, muse 
Stum  ble,  V.   to  trip  in  walk- 
ing ;  to  err 
Stur  dy,  a.  hardy,  stout 
Stur  geon,n.the  name  of  a  fish 
Sub  ject,  n.  the  matter  treat- 
ed of;   one  under  the  do- 
minion of  another 
Sub  stance,  n.  being,  matter 
Sud  den,  a.  without  previous 

notice,  hasty 
Suf  fer,  V.  to  endure,  to  bear 
Sul  ky,  a.  sullen,  obstinate 
Sul  len,  a.  morose,  obstinatp 

a* 


Sul  try,  a.  hot  and  cloudy 
Sum  mer,  n.  the  second  sea* 

son  of  the  year 
Sum  mit,  n.  the  top,   the  ut« 

most  height 
Sun  beam,  n.  a  ray  of  the  sua 
Sun  day,   n.  the  first  day  of 

the  week 
Sun  dry,  a.  several,  various 
Sup  per,  n.  the  evening  mes^ 
Sur  face,  n.  the  outside 
Sur  ly,  a.  morose,  uncivil      ^ 
Syl  van,  a.  woody,  shady 
Sym^  torn,  n.  a  sign,  token 
Syn  tax,    n.    a  system,    con* 

struction  of  words 
Sys  tem,  n.  a  scheme,  meth« 

od,  theory 
Tal  ent,  n.    a  certain  weight 

or  sum  ;  faculty 
Tal  on,  n.  the  claw  of  a  bird 
Tar  ry,  r,  to  stay,  Poiter 
Tat  tie,  V.  to  prate,  talk  idly 
Tem  pest,  n.  a  violent  wmd, 

storm,  tumult  [cata 

Ten  der,  a.  soft,  young,  deli- 
Ten  don,  n,  a  sinew 
Ten  dril,  v.  the  clasp  of  a  vhie 
Thank  ful,  a.  full  ol  gratitude 
Thim  ble,   n.  a    cap  for   tha 

needle  finger 
This  tie,  ??.  a  prickly  weed 
ThItu  er,  ad.  to  that  place 
Thj.in  der,  n.-a  loud  noise  in 

the  air  [the  week 

ThurA-  da}',  n.  the  fifth  day  of 
Tick  et,  n.  a   token   of  right 

on  the   delivery  of  which 

admission  is  granted 
Til  lage,  n.  husbandry 
Tim  id,  a.  fearful,  timorous 
Tip  pet,  n.  a  kind  of  covering 

lor  a  woman's  neck 


90 


THE  AMERICAN  INST1U.CTER. 


Traf  fick,  ?i.commerce,trade ; 
V,  to  trade,  to  deal      [foot 
Tram  pie,  v.  to  tread  under 
Tran  quil,  a.  quiet,  peaceful 
Trav  el,  v.  to  go,  to  niaj^e  a 

journey 
Treas  ure,[s  like  zhjn.wealth 

laid  up,  riches 
Trem  ble,  v.  to  shake,  quiver 
Tres  pass,  7i.  an  offence,  un- 
lawful   entry  ;  v.  to  trans- 
gress 
Tres  ses,  n.  curls  of  hair 
Trib  ute,  n.  payraenl  made  in 
acknowledgement  of  sub- 
jection 
Trip/i  thong,n.a  union  of  three 

vowels 
Troub  le,  n.  calamity,  afllic- 
tion  [down 

Turn  ble,  V.  to  fall,  to  throw 
Tur  key,  n.  a  large  fowl 
Tur  tie,  w.  a  kind  of  dove  ;  a 

tortoise 
Twen  ty,  a  twice  ten 
Ul  cer,  n.  a  running  sore 
Um  pire,  n.  one  who  decides 

disputes 
Un  cle,  n.  a  father's  or  moth- 
er's brother 
tin  der,  pr.  in  a  state  of  sub- 
jection [up 
Up  right,  a,  honest ;  straight 
Ut  most,  a.  extreme,  highest ; 

n.  the  most  that  can  be 
TJt  ter,  V.  to  speak 
Val  iant,  a.  stout,  brave 
Val  ley,   n.   low   ground  be- 
tween two  hills 
Val  our,  n.   courage,  bravery 
Val  uc,7i.  a  price,  worth  ;  v.  to 

fix  a  price,  to  rate 
Van  ish,  r,  to  disappear 


Vcr  diet,  71.  determination  of 

a  jury,  decision,  opinion 
Ver  y,  a   real,  true  ;  ad.  in  a 

great  degree 
Ves  sel,  H.  any  thing  used  to 

hold  liquors  ;  a  ship 
Vic  tim,  «.  a  sacrifice 
Vict  uals,  n.  food,  provisions 
Vig  our,  71.  force,  strength 
Vil  lage.  n.  a  small  collection 

of  houses 
Vir  tue,[ver   tshu]    n.  moral 
goodness,  excellence,  effi- 
cacy 
Vul  gar,  a.  mean,  low  ;  n  the 

common  or  lower  people 
Wag   gon,   7}.  a  four  wheeled 

carriage  for  burdens 
Wednes  day,  n.    the  fourth 

day  of  the  week 
Wei  fare,  n.  happiness,  pros- 
perity 
Whis  per,  v.  to  speak  in  a  low 

voice 
Wick  ed,  a.  given  to  vice 
Wid  oiv,  71.   a  woman  whose 

husband  is  dead 
Wil  ful,  a.  stubborn,  perverse 
Win  ter,  n.  the  fourth  season 

of  the  year 
Wis  dom,    71.   the    power    of 

judging  rightly,  sapience 
WiTH  er,  V.  to  fade,  waste 
Wit  ness,  ?*.  testimony,   evi- 
dence ^ 
Wit  ty,  a.  ingenious,  smart 
WviXn  gle,  V.  to  dispute   pee- 
vishly ;  n.  a  quarrel 
Young  ster,  n.  a  young  person 
3 

Al  so,  ad.  likewise 
Al  •ways,  ad.  continually,  for- 
ever,  perpetually 


THE  AMERICAN  (rs'STRUCTER. 


VI 


Auc  tion,  n.  a  publick  sale  to 

the  highest  bidder 
All  gust,  n.  the  eighth  month 

of  the  year 
Au  thor,7^.  an  inventer,  writer 
Au  tumw,  n.  the  tiiird  season 

of  the  year 
Aw  ful,  a.  terrible,  hateful 
Awk  wai'd,  a.   unhandy,   un- 

polite  [icine 

Bal  sam,  n.  an  ointment,  nied- 
Broad  cloth,    n.    a   very  fine 

kind  of  woollen  cloth 
Cau  tion,  n.  prudence,  care 
Cau'  tious,a. watchful,  prudent 
Dau^A  ter,  ?i.  a  female  child 
False  hood, n. a  lie,  an  untruth 
Fault  less//,  perfect,  complete 
Faul  ty,a.blameable,defective 
For  fcit,  V.  to  lose  by  some  of- 
fence [luck,  portion 
For  tune,[tlike  tsh]>?.  chance, 
For  ty,  a.  four  times  ten 
Gau  dy,  a.  showy,  splendid 
Haugh  ty,  a.  proud,  insolent 
Hor  net,  n.  a  bee  of  the  wasp 

kind 
Horn  pipe,  n.  a  kind  of  dance 
Horse  fly,  n.  a  lly  that  stings 

horses  [riding 

Horse  man,  ti.  one  skilled  in 
Law  ful,  a.  agreeable  to  law 
Law  less,   a.   not  subject  to 

law,  illegal 
Law  suit,  n.  process  in  law 
Law  yer,  n.  a  professor  of  law, 

an  advocate 
Mor  bid,  a.  diseased,  corrupt 
Morn  ing,  n.  the  first  part  of 

the  day 
Mor  sel,  n.  a  small  quantity 
Mor  tal,  a.  subject  to  death  ; 

n.  a  human  being 


Mor  tar,  n.  a  kind  of  cement 
used  for  building  ;  a  vessel 
to  pound  in 
Mori  gage,  u.    a    pledge    of 
property ;  r.to  pledge  prop- 
erty to  a   creditor  for  se-* 
curity 
Mor  tise,  ?t.  a  hole  cut  in  one 
piece  of  wood  to  admit  the 
tenon  of  another 
Naug/<  ty,  a.  bad,  wicked 
Nau  seous,  a.  loathsome,  of- 
fensive, disgustful 
Or  bit,n.tlie  line  described  by 
the  revolution  of  a  planet 
Or  chard,  n.  a  field   of  fruit 

trees 
Or  der,  n.a  command,  method 
Ord  nance,n.  cannon,  artillery 
Or  phan,  n.   a   fatherless    or 

motherless  child 
Pal  sy,  )i.    a  privation  of  the 

sense  of  feeling 
Pan  per,  ?i.  one  who  receives 

alms,  a  poor  person 
Quar  ter,    n,   a  fourth  part ; 
7'.  to  divide  into  four  parts 
Quar  to,w.a  book  in  which  ev- 
ery sliect  makes  four  leaves 
Sau  cer,  7j.  a  small  vessel  into 

which  a  tea-cup  is  set 
Sau  cy,  a.  impudent,  insolent 
Scorn  ful,  a.  haughty,  proud 
Shor  ten,  v.  to  make  short 
Short  ly,  ad.  soon,  quickly 
Slaug"^  ter,  n.  massacre  ;  v.  ts 

slay,  to  kill 
Sor  did,  a.  mean,  vile,  base     I 
Storm  y,  a.  tempestuous 
ThoM^At  ful,    a.    contempl* 

tive,  careful 
ThougJn  less,  a,    negligenlii, 
careless 


n 


THE  AMEKICAN  IIVSTRUCtER. 


Tor  ment,  n.  pain,  misery 
Tor  to'ise,    n,  an    amphibious 

animal  [ish 

Taw  ny,  a.  brownish,  yellow- 
4 
A/m.v  house,  n.  a  house   for 

the  poor 
Ar  dent,  a.  hot,  fiery,  zealous 
Ar  gue,  IK  to  reason,   dispute 
Ar  mour,  n.  defensive  arms 
Ar  niy,n.a  body  of  armed  men 
Ar  roiv,  n.  a  pointed  weapon 

shot  from  a  bow 
Art  ist,  n.  a  professor  of  an  art 
Bar  ber,  n.  a  man  that  shaves 

beai-ds  [ment 

Bar  gain,  n.  a  contract,  agree- 
Bar  ley,  71.  a  sort  of  grain 
Bar  ter,  v.  to  exchange   [ness 
Ca/m  ness,  n.  mildness,   still- 
Car  cass,  n.  a  dead  body 
Car  pet,  n.  a  covering  for  a 

floor 
Car  tridge,  n.  a  paper-case  for 

gunpowder  and  ball 
Car  ver,  n.  one  who  carves 
Char  cortl,  n.  a  coal  made  by 

burning  wood  under  cover 
Charm  ing,  a.  pleasing 
Dark  ness,  n.  absence  of  light 
Far  met,  n.  one  who  culti- 
vates ground  [tance 
Far  THcr,  a.  at  a  greater  dis- 
Far  THest,  a.  at  the  greatest 

distance  [penny 

Far  THing,  n.  the  fourth  of  a 
Fa  THer,  u.  a  parent 
Gar  den,  n.  a   j)lacc  planted 

withherbs,flowers,&c.  [crs 
Gar  land,  n.  a  wreath  of  How- 
Gar  lick,  n.  a  plant[thc  body 
Gar  ment,  7i.  a  covering  for 
Har  hour,  n.  a  port,  shelter 


Har  den,  v.  to  make  hard 
Hard  ness,  n.  severity ;  a  hard 

quality 
Hard  ship,  n.  fatigue,  injury 
Hard  ware,  71.  wares  made  o( 

iron,  steel,  brass,  &c. 
Harm  less,  a.  innocent 
Harsh  ness,  71.  roughness 
Har  vest,  n.   the   season   for 

gathering  wheat,  maize,&c. 

the  crop  gathered 
Hear  ken,  v.  to  listen,  attend 
Hear  ty,  a.  heahhy,  strong 
Jargon,n.  unintelligible  talk, 

gibberish 
Lar  boflrd,  Ji.  'the  left   hand 

side  of  a  ship  or  boat 
Lawgh  Icr,     71.    a  convulsive 

merry  noise 
Mar  ble,  n.  a  fine  hard  stone; 

a.  niade  of  marble 
Mnr  gin,  n.  the  edge,  border 
Mar  ket,  Ji.  a  place  and  time 

of  sale 
Mar  quis,  n.   one  of  the  sec- 
ond order  of  nobility,  next 

in  rank  to  a  duke 
Mai-  shal,  n.  an  officer    of  aa 

army ;  a  sheriff ;  x'.  to  ar 

range,  rank  in  order 
Marsh  y,  a.  swampy,  boggy 
Mar  tial,  a.  warlike,  brave 
Mar  tyr,  n.   one  who   by  his 

death  bears  witness   to  tho 

truth 
Mar  vel,  v.  to  wonder 
Mas  tor,  ».  an  owner,  propri' 

ctor;  a  ruler,  teacher 
Par  boil,  v.  to  half  boil 
Parch  ment,  n.  skins  dressed 

for  writing  on 
Par  don,  r.  to  forgive  ;  n.  for' 

givcness 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTBR.  9^ 

SECTION  XXXVIII. 

Cleanliness. 
Cleanliness  may  be  recommended  under  the  three 
foUowing  heads  :  as  it  is  a  mark  of  politeness  ;  as  it  pro- 
duces affection;  and  as  it  bears  analogy  to  purity  of  mmd. 
In  the  first  place,  it  is  a  mark  of  pohteness  ;  for  it  is 
universally  agreed  upon,  that  no  one  unadorned  with 
this  yinne,  can  go  into  company  without  giving  a  man- 
ifest offence.  The  different  nations  of  the  world  are  as 
much  distinguished  by  their  cleanliness,  as  by  tlieir  arts 
and  sciences.  The  more  advanced  in  civilization,  the^^^ 
more  they  consult  this  part  of  politeness. 

In  the  second  place,  cleanliness  may  be  considered 
the  foster-mother  of  affection.  Beauty  commonly  pro- 
duces love,  but  cleanliness  preserves  it.  Age  is  not 
unamiable  while  it  is  preserved  clean  and  ui^ulhed: 
iike  a  piece  of  metal  constantly  kept  smooth  and  bright, 
we  look  on  it  with  more  pleasure,  than  on  a  new  vessel 
that  is  cankered  with  rust. 

As  cleanliness  renders  us  agreeable  to  others,  so  it 
makes  us  easy  to  ourselves  ;  it  is  an  excellent  preserva- 
tive of  health ;  and  several  vices  destructive  both  to 
mind  and  body,  are  inconsistent  with  the  habit  of  it. 

In  the  third  place,  it  bears  great  analogy  with  purity 
of  mind,  and  naturally  inspires  refined  sentiments  and 
passions.  We  find  from  experience,  that  through  the 
prevalence  of  custom,  the  most  vicious  actions  lose  their 
horrour,  by  being  made  familiar  to  us. 

On  the  contrary,  those  who  live  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  good  examples,  fly  from  the  first  appearance  of  what 
is  shocking ;  and  thus  pure  and  unsullied  thoughts  are 
naturally  suggested  to  the  mind,  by  those  objects  that 
perpetually  encompass  us. 

In  the  East,  where  the  warmth  of  the  chmate  makes 
cleanliness  more  immediately  necessary  than  in  colder 
countries,  it  is  considered  as  a  part  of  religion  :  the 
Jewish  law,  (as  well  as  the  Mahon^etan,  which  in  some 
things  copies  after,)  enjoins  frequent  bathings,  and  other 
rites  of  the  like  nature  :  and  we  read  several  injunctions 
•f  diis  kind  in  the  book  of  Deuteronomy. 


Jl4  THE    A3fER!CA?v    INSTRUCTED. 

v#  SECTION  XXXIX. 

Honour. 

The  influence  of  honour  on  the  character  and  im- 
provement of  the  mind,  is  no  less  hr.ppy  than  that  of 
virtue.  As  a  virtuous  man  would  not  do  a  criminal 
action,  because  it  is  repugnant  to  tiic  laws  of  God,  and 
injurious  to  his  neighbour,  so  would  an  honourable 
man  despise  a  mercenary  deed,  because  it  is  abhorrent 
to  his  feelings,  and  the  genuine  principles  of  rectitude. 
The  ideas  many  have  of  honour,  and  of  the  means  to 
attain  it,  are  as  different,  and  perhaps  as  erroneous  as 
those  they  have  of  true  happiness. 

Persons  who  entertain .  right  conceptions  of  honour, 
enjoy  a  double  advantage.  Stimulated  by  its  dictates, 
and  instructed  by  the  precepts  of  virtue,  they  scorn 
whatever  is  low,  and  aspire  at  that  which  is  amialile. 
Ambitious  to  gain  the  esteem  of  the  world,  the  man  o( 
honour  makes  virtue  his  guide  ;  his  life  is  marked  with 
integrity ;  his  soul  beams  sincerity,  and  justice  ever 
graces  the  tenor  of  his  conduct. 

Others,  who  have  wrong  ideas  upon  this  subject, 
commit  crimes  of  the  vilest  nature,  and  suppose  their 
guilt  is  veiled,  from  the  mistaken  notion  that  their  vices 
are  honourable,  because  they  are  fashionable.  Ask 
the  dissipated  man  why  he  carouses  at  midnight  revels, 
and  riots  in  the  luxuries  of  )jleasure,  he  will  answer, 
"to  maintain  my  honour,  and  support  the  dignity  of 
a  gentleman." 

Ask  the  duellist  why  he  would  take  away  the  life  of— 
perhaps  a  brother,  he  will  answer,  "to  vindicate  my 
honour,  and  act  the  part  of  a  man."  Such  is  the  force 
of  custom,  to  convert  the  basest  crimes  into  a  fashion- 
able point  of  honour.  Alas!  Such  may  have  become 
fashionable,  but  they  will  ever  be  contemptible. 

Flattered  by  a  false  notion  of  honour,  thevoluptuary 
endeavours  to  exculpate  the  criminality  of  his  conduct. 
Uncontrolled  by  principles,  h«;  gives  unbounded  scope 
to  his  desires,   and  riots  with  intemperate  festivity. 

Unacquainted  \\ithwhrtis  truly  lionourJi'ule,  the  'hv 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  95 

ellist,  for  the  most  trivial  offence,  thus  challenges  his  an- 
tagonist :  "  Equip  yourself  with  sword  and  pistol,  meet 
me  at  such  a  time  and  place,  and  prove  yourself  a  gen- 
tleman." His  antagonist,  if  like  himself,  destitute  of 
honour,  thus  answers:  "I  accept  your  challenge  with 
pleasure,  and  am  happy  to  give  you  and  the  world  this 
proof." 

But,  if  his  antagonist  be  endued  with  just  and  hon- 
ourable principles,  he  thus  replies :  "  Sensible  what  dis- 
grace a  compliance  with  your  request  would  bring  upon 
us  both,  and  humanity  itself,  I  condemn  your  offer  as 
derogatory  to  the  human  character.  If  in  fault,  I  am 
willing  to  make  every  reasonable  confession,  and  ready 
to  give  satisfaction." 

As  the  man  of  virtue  fears,  so  the  man  of  honour 
scorns  to  do  a  mean  action.  Seneca  speaks  in  the  no- 
ble and  genuine  language  of  honour,  when  he  says, 
*•  Were  there  no  God  to  see  and  punish  vice,  he  would 
not  commit  it,  because  it  is  of  so  mean,  so  base,  and 
vile  a  nature." 

Should  those  persons  who  court  vice  and  folly  for 
pleasure,  study  decenc}^,  and  cultivate  true  principles, 
they  would  soon  discard  those  fashionable  vices,  which 
they  vainly  flatter  tliemselves,  accomplish  the  real  man 
of  honour. 

The  vices  of  the  present  age,  like  dress,  have  their 
fashions.  Were  we  to  inquire  into  the  cause,  should 
we  not  find  that  many  of  them  owe  their  rise  to  a  mista- 
ken notion  of  honour  r  Excess  of  pleasure,  says  the 
sensualist,  is  fashionable,  consequently,  honourable. 

But  were  he  sensible  that  nothing  but  what  is  virtu- 
ous, is  worthy  of  this  name,  that  the  principles  of  hon- 
our would  teach  him  to  ennoble  his  soul  with  concep- 
tions of  the  just  and  amiable,  he  v/quld  forsake  the  lap 
of  pleasure,  for  that  of  virtue. 

Then  let  the  debauchee  quit  his  vain  delights  ;  the 
voluptuary  the  bed  of  pleasure  ;  the  duellist  liis  dagger, 
for  thf.t  which  is  great,  noble,  and  virtuous  ;  .uid  be 
persuaded  that  honour  is  the  child  of  Mrrue,  and  the  per- 
Auction  of  a  benevolent  and  generous  soul. 


96^? 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


SECTION  XL. 

Words  of  two  si/Uables,  accented  on  tkefrst;  Continued. 

Con  sort,    n.   a     companion, 

partner 


Pars  ley,  n.  a  plarit 

Par  son,  n.  a  clcrgymrin,  min- 
ister, priest 

Par  tJal,  a.  inclined  toYavour 
one  party  more  than  the 
other 

Part  ner,  n.  a  sharer,  partaker 

Par  tridc;e,  n.  a  bird  of  game 

Par  ty.w.a  number  of  persoas 
confederated,  a  select  as- 
sembly 

Tar  dy,  <i.  slow,  dilatory 

Bon  dage^n. captivity,  slaver} 
Bond  man,  n.  a.man  slave 


Con  stani,  a.  firm,  unvaried 
Con  test,  .7.  a  dispute,  debate 
Con  tract,  7z.  a  bargain,  agree- 
ment 
Con  trite,  a.  penitent        [ed 
Con  vict,  n.  a  person  convict' 
Cost  ly,  a.  of  great  price 
Doc  tor,  a.  a  title  in  divinity, 

lav/,  physick,  &c. 
Doc  trine,  a,  the  principles  of 

;,ny  sect ;  a  precept 
Dol  far,  lu  a  silver  coin 
Fed  der,  n.  faod  for  cattle 


Bond  man,  n.  a  man  slave  *  uu  .... ,  -  ..-  -^  ■ 

Bond  mHeV!,».  a  woman  slave    foggy,   [g   hard]    a.  misty, 

Bonds  raan,n.  one  bound  for        cloudy 


another 

Bor  io/r,r.  to  take  upon  loan 
But  tie,  n,  a  glass  ves;;el 
Bot  torn,  n.  lowest  part 
Cicv  •'£,.«. 9  small  private  room 
Cob  lie.,  V.  to  mend  coarsely 
Cob  ■■•vr./^a  mender  of  shoes 
Cob  wel>,//.the  web  of  a  spider 
Cof  fec,«.  a  drink;  a  berry 
Col  lar,  r.    son>etliing    worn 

round  the  neck 


Foi  lo;6',r.  to  g.>  after,  pursue 

Fol  ly,  II.  foolishness 

Fond  ness,  n.  tenderness,  ex- 
cess of  love 

For<3  head,  n.  the  upper  part 
of  the  face 

For  cJ^n,  a.  belonging  to  an- 
other country 

For  esc,  n.  a  wild  uncultiva- 
ted tract 

Fos  ter,  V.  to  nurse,  cherish 

I'ros  ty,  a.  like  frost,  cold 

Gh).s  sy,  /7.s-iiining,  showy 


Col  le«gv.e,  n.  a  [.  ;i;i'i- 

Colleet',  ".  a  li''""*" ''''■  ^''''^'""      • •"  ,       T 

ine  [lovuvl  pillar  \  Gob  let,  n.  a  bowl  or  cup 

Col  um»,  n.  part  of  a  page ;  a  i  Go.v  ling,  n.  a  y.mng  gm>so 

'  '.   .      ,       ^     .  I  l.I„l    1,,.,/.    m      II    rii\  itv.  ntMl 


Com  et,  n.  a  kind  nf  star 
Com  merc«,JZ.  trade,  traffick 
Com  pend,  n.  abridgment 
Con  duct,  n.  behaviour 
Con  gross,    n.    an    assembly, 
meeting  [gained 

Con  quest, «.  victory,  a  thing 
Con  science, //.natural  knowl- 
edge, reason 


Hoi  \wr,  n.  a  cavity,  den 
Horn  age,7J.obed'.ence,service 
//on  est,  a.  upright,  just 
//i.n  «ur,w. dignity, reputation 
llor  rid,fl.  hidc'.ms,  drer.dful 
ilov  el,  n.  a  slVed,  ciniage 
Joe  und,  a.  merry,  gay,  lively 
J(.g  gle,  «.  to  shake,  push 
Jol  ly,  a.  merry,  gay 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER, 


97 


Jos  tle^  V.  to  push,  shake 
jKhot  ty,  a.  full  of  knots,hard 
Knowl  edge,  n.  understand- 
ing, skill  [a  room 
Lob  by,  n.  an  opening  before 
Lob  ster,  n.  a  shell-fish 
Lock  et,ra.an  ornamental  lock 
Lof  ty,  a.  proud,  stately,  high 
Log  ick,  [g  soft]  n.  the  art  of 

reasoning 
Log  wood,  n.  a   wood    much 

used  in  dying 
Mod  el,  n.  a  copy,  represen- 
tation ;  V,  to  plan,  to  shape 
Mod  em,  a.  late,  not  ancient 
Mod  est,  a.  diffident,  chaste 
Mon  arcAjW.  a  king,sovereign 
Mon  ster,  n,    something  un- 
natural or  horrible 
Mon  strous,     a.     unnatural, 

enormous 
Mor  al,  a.  upright,  relating  to 
vice  or    virtue  ;  ii.  the  in- 
struction of  a  fable 
Mor  als,  n.  natural  principles, 

duties 
Mor  rote,  n.  the  next  day  af- 
ter the  present  one  [moss 
Mos  sy,  a.  overgrown  with 
Mot  to,  n.  a  sentence  prefix- 
ed or  added,  a  device? 
Non  sense,  n.  words  vv  Ithout 


Ob  long,  a.  longer  than  broad 
Odd  ness,«.  strangeness,  par- 
ticularity 
Offer,  iJ.to  present,  propose  J 

n.  price  bid,  proposal 
Office,  n,  a  publick  employ- 
ment ;  a  place  where  busi- 
ness is  transacted 
01  ive,  n.  a  tree  and  its  fruit  ; 

an  emblem  of  peace 
On  ward,  ad.  fi)rward      [ion 
Op  tickSjM.the  science  of  vis- 
Op  tion,  n.  choice,  will 
Or  ange,  n.  a  kind  of  fruit 
Os  trich,  n.  a  very  large  Afri- 
can fowl  [mal 
Ot  ter,  11.  an  amphibious  ani- 
Pol  ish,  V.   to    make    smooth 

and  glossy,  to  refine 
Pom  pous,  a.  splendid,  grand 
Pon  der,  v.  to  consider,  muse 
Pon  iard,  n.  a  dagger 
Pop  gun,  11.  a  wooden  gun  for 

children 
Pop  lar,  n.  the  name  of  a  tree 
Pop  py,  n.  the  name  of  a  plant 
Por  ridge,  n.  a  kind  of  broth 
Pos  ture,  [t   like  tsh]  n.  posi- 
tion, place,  s.tuation 
Pot  ter,  n.  a  maker  of  earthen- 
vessels  [pints 
Pot  tie,  n.  a  measure  of  four 


connected  meaning     [nose    Frob  k;m,  ?j.   a  question  proi 


Nos  tril,  n.  the  cavity  in  th 
Nov  el,  n.  a  feignod   story  or 

tale 
Nov  ice,  n. .  an  uuleanietl  or 

unskilful  person 
Nox  ious,  [nok  shus]  a.  ".lUii- 

ful,  offensive 
Ob  ject,  n.    that  about,  wiiicli 

any  power  or    faciiliy    is 

enwloved 

0 


posed  for  solution 
Proc  ess,   [c  like  s]  n.  meth- 
od, progress,  course 
Prod  uce,  11.  product,amount, 
fruit  [duced 

Prod  net,   n.  something  pro 
Prof  it,  7i.  gain,  advantage 
Prog  ress,    u.    improvement, 
course  [scheme 

Prnj  eci,   V.    a   contrivance, 


$8f 


THE  AMERICAN  rNSTRUCTER. 


Prom  is£,z).togive  one's  word, 

to  assure 
Prop  cr,  a.  fit,  peculiar 
Proph  et,  n.    one    who   tells 

future  events 
Pros  pect,  n.  a  view 
Pros  per,  v.  to  be  successful 
Pros  trate,  a.  lying  at  length ; 
V.  to  throw  down      [saying 
Prov  erb,n.a  maxim,  common 
Prov  incc,    n.    a    region ;    a 
country  governed  by  a  del- 
egate 
Quar  reljT).  to  brawl,  debate  ; 

n.  a  dispute,  strife 
Quar  ry,  n.  a  stone  mine 
Rob  ber,  n.  a  thief,  plunderer 
Soft  ness,  n.  quality  of  being 

soft,  efleminacy 
Sol  ace,  n.  comfort,  pleasure 
Sol  emn,  a.  awful,  religiously 

grave 
Sol  id,a.  firm,  compact,  sound 
Sol  vent,  a.  able  to  pay  debts 
Son  net,  n.  a  short  poem 
Sor  rel,  n.  an  acid  j)lant 
Sor  row;,  n.  trouble,  gripf 
Sor  ry,  a.  grieved   fur  some- 
thing past 
Spot  less,  a.  pure,  iinniaculute 
Squad  ron,  n.  part  of  an  army 
or  fle^t  [fuseiy 

Squan  der,  v.   to   spend  |)ro- 
Swal  low;,    n.    a    sn>all   bird ; 

the  throat 
Tor  rent,  n.  a  rapid  strcanr 
Tor  rid,  a.  violently  hot,  par- 
ched 
Wan  der,  v.  to  rove,  ramble 

6 
Bru  tal,  a.  cruel,  inhuman 
Cru  el,  a.  hard-hearted,  inhu- 
man 


Fool  ish,  a.  weak  of  inteilcfet^ 

imprudent 

Fruit  less,  a.  barren,  unprofit- 
able [choly 

Gloom  y,  a.  obscure,  melan- 

Loo  sen,  V.  to  let  loose 

Lo  .ver,  71.  one  that  has  suffer- 
ed loss 

Moon  li^/it,  n.  light  afforded 
by  the  moon 

IMoon  shine,  n.  the  lustre  of 
the  moon 

Mov<?  mont,  n.  motion 

Pru  dent,  a.  discreet,  practi- 
cally wise 

Pru  dencfi,  n.  wisdom  applied 
to  practice,  discretion 

Rude  nessy/j.incivility,  coarse- 
ness of  HKumers 

Rii  in,  n.  destruction,  over- 
throvvT ;  v,  to  destroy,  de- 
molish 

Ru  ler.  n.  a  governour ;  an 
jt.sii  ument  oy  which  lines- 
are  drawn 

l«u  raV,  a.  l:N.^loiiging  to  the 
country,  retired 

;'>c/<(»;>l  hoy,,/,  a  be;}' at  school, 
a  learner 

Sinoorn  ii(;ss,  n.  eveimoss., 
mildness,  softness 

7 
liul  let,  H.a  roiutd  ball  ofmet- 

;ii  [pecks 

t^ii.ili  cl,  <7.  a  measure  of  four 
Bii/ch  o\',   n.   a    person   who 

kill^.  animals  to  sell 
Crook  cd,  a.  bent,  winding 
Ciisli  loUy  71.  a  soft  pad  placed 

upon  a  ch:iir  [feet 

Fool  stool,  //.  a  stool  for  the 
Ful  ness,?>.  state  of  being  full, 

completeness 


THE  AMERIC^AN  INSTRUCTBR. 


99 


Good  ly,  a.  comely,  beautiful 
Good  ness,  n.  desirable  qual- 
ities, virtue,  piety 
Pud  ding,  n.  a  kind  of  food 
Pul  let,  ?(.  a  young  hen 
Pul  iy,  n.  a  small  wheel  for  a 

running  cord 
Pul  pit,  n.  an  exalted  place  to 
speak  from       [human  race 
Worn  an,  n.  the  female  of  the 
Wool  len,  a.  made  of  woo? 

8 
Com  bat,  n.  a  battle,  duel 
Come  ly,  a.  graceful,  decent 
Com  fort,  n.  pleasure,  joy 
Cov  et,  V.  to  desire  earnestly 
Doz  en,   n.    the   number    of 

twelve 
Flood  gate,  n.  a  gate  to  stop 

or  let  out  %vater 
Gov  ern,  v.  to  rule,  regulate 
Hon  cy,  n.  the  sweet  juice  of 
vegetables  collected  by  bees 
Love  ly,  a.  exciting  love,  ami- 
able 
Lov  er,  n.  one  who  is  in  love 
Lov  ing,  a.  kind,  affectionate 
Mon  day,  n.  the  second  day 

of  the  week 
Mon  ey,  n.  metal  coined  for 

publick  use 
Mon  key,  n.  an  i\^e,  baboon 
Month  ly,  ad.  once  a  month 
Shov  el,  n.  a  utensil  broader 

than  a  spade 
SraoTH  er,  v.  to  suffocate 
Some  times,  ad.  now  and  then 
Stir  rup,  n.  an  iroii  for  a  horse- 
man's foot 
Thir  teen,  a.  ton  and  three 
Thir  ty,  a.  three  times  ton 
Won  der,  v.  to  be  astoaislicd  : 
n,  amaj&eracnt,  adniii"afioy 


Wor  ship,  n.  religious  raver* 
ence,  adoration  ;  a  term  of 
honour ;  v.  to  adore,honour 

Wor  THy,  a.  deserving,  noble 

¥Agh  teen,  a.  twice  nine 
V.igh  ty,  a.  eight  times  ten 
He/n  ous,  a.  very  wicked 
Neigh  byur,  n.  one  Avho  lives 
near  ariotlier 

oi 

Joint  1}',  ad.  together,  not  sep- 
arately 
Loi  ter,  v.  to  linger,  lag 
Moist  ness,  n.  dampness 
Mois  ture.[t  like  tshjw.  damp- 

ness,  jaclness 

Noi  sy,a.  clamorous,turbulent 

i  Oil  y,rt .consisting  of oil,greasy 

Poi  soBfii.  that  which  destroys 

life  ;  V.  to  infect  with  poi- 

son,  to  corrupt 

I      oy 

Boy  ish,«,  childish,  trifling 
Joy  ful,  a.  full  of  joy,  glad 
Lo}'  al,  a.  true  or  obedient  te 

a  sovereign 
Oys  ter,  n.  a  shell  fish 
Roy  al,  a.  kingly ,noble,regal 
Voy  age,  n.  a  passage  by  sea 

on 

Bound  less,  a.  unlimited    [ity 
Boun  ty,  n.  free  gift  ;  generps- 
Dou6t  ful,  a.  uncertain 
Foul  ness,  n.  filthiness 
Foun  der,  n^  a  builder, former 
House  hold,  n.  a  family 
Loud  ly,  «fZ. noisily 
Loud  ness,  n   noise,  clamour 
Moun  tain,  n.  a  high  hill 
Mouse  trap,  n.  a  trap  to  catcli 
mice  in  [polled 

Out  c:\'^t.-:i.  an  exile,  one  ex- 


J  00 


THE    AMERICAN    IXSTRUCTER. 


Out  cry,  n.  a  cry  of  distress, 

noise,  clamour 
Out  let,  n.  passage  outwards 
Out  rage,  n.  open  violence 
Out  side,  n.  the  outward  part 
Out  ward,a.external,npparpnt 
Proud  ly,  ad.  hauglitily,  arro- 
gantly 
Scoun  drel,  n.  a    mean  low 
fellow,  a  villain 

OHO 

Bow  er,  n.  an  arbour 
Clown  ish,  q..  uncivil,  ill  bred 
Cow  ard,  n.   one  destitute  of 
courage  [flower 

Cow  slip,  n.   the  name  of  a 
JDowny,  a.  covered  with  down 


Drow  sy,  a.  sleepv,    stupid, 

dull 
Flow-t;r,   n.  the  blossom  of  a 

plant 
Low  er,  v.    to    appear   dark 

and  gloomy  [powder 

Pow  der,   n.   fine   dust,  gun- 
Pow  er,   n.    authority,   com- 
mand, ability 
Show  er,  n.  a  fall  of  rain 
Tow  el,  n.  a  cloth  on  "which 

the  hands  nre  wiped 
Tow  er,  n.  a  hiirh  building 
Town  ship,  n.  the  territory  or 

land  (Jf  a  town 
Vow  el,  n.  a  letter  which  can 

be  uttered  by  itself 


SECTION  XLI. 

On  hridlino;  the  Tons;ue, 

"  The  (onguR  can  no  rrmn  tumr." 

If  this  had  not  been  the  language  of  inspiration,  ex- 
perience has  proved  it  to  be  the  language  of  truth. 
The  tongue  is  the  most  untamcable  thing  in  nature.  All 
kinds  of  beasts,  birds,  and  serpents,  have  been  tamed 
by  mankind  ;  but  not  so  with  the  tongue.  Who 
among  the  sons  of  men  ever  yet  tamed  his  own  tongue  ? 
Not  one. 

A  person  can  bridle  his  tongue,  or  hold  it  :  but  no 
$Ooner  does  he  take  off  the  bridle,  or  let  go  his  hold, 
than  this  little  member  runs  wild,  and  out  slips  some- 
tiling  from  it  in  the  moment  of  passion  or  levity,  which 
the  speaker  presently  wishes  back. 

Mark  Anthony,  it  has  been  said,  tamed  lions,  and 
drove  them  haruossed  to  lii.-;  chariot  through  the  streets 
of  Rome.  Had  he  tamed  his  own  tongue,  it  would  have 
been  a  greater  wonder  still.  Tiie  rattle-snake  has  been 
tamed,  and  even  the  crocodile  ;  but  the  tongue  never. 

Pythagoras  imposed  on  his  pupils  constant  silence, 
ft)r  months  and  years  together,  Hut  what  did  it  oil  sig-  i 


THE  AMERICAN  tNSTRUCTER.  lOi 

nify  ?  No  sooner  were  they  permitted  to  talk,  than  they 
gabbled  a  deal  of  impertinence — Besides,  to  withhold 
the  tongue  from  speaking  at  all,  is  destroying  its  end 
and  use,  rather  than  taming  it. 

The  gift  of  speech  is  too  pwcious  to  be  thrown  away. 
Let  the  tongue  be  accustomed  to  speak,  and  to  speak 
as  it  ought.  "  A  word  spoken  in  due  season,  how  good 
it  is  !"  Unruly  tongues,  on  the  contrary,  produce  a 
world  of  iniquity.  Some  are  full  of  deadly  poison  ; 
such  are  they  that  curse  men  and  blaspheme  God,  and 
which  utter  lies  for  mischief  or  sport. 

Such  too  is  the  deceitful  tongue,  "  whose  words  are 
smoother  than  oil ;  yet  are  they  drawn  swords."  There 
is  the  sly,  whispering  tongnie,  and  the  babbling,  tattling 
tongue  ;  each  of  which  "  separateth  very  friends." 
The  words  of  a  tale-bearer  are  as  wounds  ;  he  wounds 
others  thereby,  and  himself  too  ;  for  the  mouth  of  such 
a  fool  is  his  destruction. 

An  impertinent,  meddling  tongue-,  makes  bad  worse; 
€ven  when  employed  in  offices  of  frieiKlsIiij>.  When 
Job  was  smitten  from  head  to  foot,  tlic  busy  tongues 
of  his  wife  and  friends,  were  a  sorer  plague  to  him 
than  all  his  biles.  And  thus  it  often  happens,  that  a 
person  under  misfortunes,  suffers  as  well  from  the  bu- 
sy meddling  tongues  of  friends,  as  from  the  malicious 
tongues  of  enemies. 

There  are  fiery  tongues.  "  The  tongue  is  a  fire." 
Sttch  is  the  tongue  of  the  passionate  man  or  woman, 
whose  mouth  foaming  with  rage,  casteth  abroad  words 
which  are  as  "  fire-brands,  arrows  and  death."  Such 
also  is  the  tongue  of  the  slanderer  and  backbiter, 
which  puts  whole  neighbourhoods  ;ind  communities  in 
a  flame,  and  "  setteth^  on  fire  the  course  of  nature." 
How  many  a  pretty  mouth  has  been  disfigured  and 
made  hideous,  by  the  fiery  tongue  in  it  ! 

What  then  is  to  be  done  with  this  unruly  little  mem- 
ber, which  "  boasteth  great  things,"  and  occasioneth 
infinite  mischief  in  the  world?  Since  no  man  nor  woman 
can  quite  tame  it,  how  is  the  best  way  to  manage  it  :' 

Fkst,  correct  the  heart,  and  keep  that  with  all  dill- 
8»  -  ■  _ 


lOS  ■  THE  AMERICAN  liNKTIllCTER. 

gence.  The  foolishness  of  the  lips  is  first  uttered  in 
the  heart.  ,  "For  out  of  th.e  abundance  of  the  heart  the 
mouth  speakeih."  Next,  carefully  bridle  the  tongue  ; 
keep  the  bit  upon  it  at  all  tiines ;  especially  in  tlie  mo- 
ment of  sudden  anger,  and  in  the  hour  of  joy  and  con- 
viviality. 

Self-command,  as  respects  tlie  tonpue,  is  as  necessa- 
ry as  it  is  difncult.  For  '.ve  are  told  iVom  divine  author- 
ity, "  If  any  man  oiTeud  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a  per- 
fect man,  and  able  also  to  bridle  the  who'e  body." 

As  it  is  of  the  utmost  ini])ortance  that  ve  rule  our 
own  tongues,  so  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  of  no  small 
importance  that  we  be  guarded  against  the  unruly 
tongues  of  others.  And  here  I  will  suggest  one  cau- 
tion, and  commend  it  to  the  particular  remembrance  of 
the  young  and  unexperienced. 

Beware  of  close  intimacy  with  those  whose  tongues 
are  calumnious  toward  almost  every  one  except  their 
present  company,  to  which  they  are  ever  smooth  and  fair. 
For  he  that  commonly  indulges  himself  in  calumniating 
or  ridiculing  the  absent,  plaiidy  shows  his  company  what 
they  have  to  expect  from  him  after  he  leaves  them. 

— OfQ©— 

SECTION  XLII. 

An  Indian  ]cing\s  advice  to  his  Son. 

My  son,  said  the  expiring  monarch,  the  angel  of 
death  is  now  approaching,  and  in  a  few  moments,  a 
breathless  corpse  will  be  all  that  remains  of  the  once  pow- 
erful Kalahad.  Remember,  therefore,  my  son,  that  thou 
must  now  govern  this  mighty  empire  alone.  Remem- 
ber, O  youthful  moiiarch  of  Jndosuin,  that  thy  example 
will  influence  multitudes  of  people  ;  it  will  constitute 
either  their  happiness  or  misery. 

If  thou  art  careful  to  direct  thy  paths  b}'  the  precepts 
of  reason,  and  to  listen  to  the  dictates  of  conscience,  if 
thou  art  indefatigable  in  punishing  oppressors,  and 
those  who  wallow  in  wickedness,  and  careful  to  encour- 
age virtue  and  merit  wherever  they  are  found,  then 
shall  happiness  dwell  in  thy  palace,  and  plenty  smile 
around  thy  habitations. 


mil   A3JERICA.\    I.N'STllUCTEIl. 


103 


Treachery  shall  be  banisht-d  from  the  empire  of  In- 
dostan,  and  rebellion  seek  refuge  in  the  dark  coverns  of 
the  iiiountnins.  The  toiv^uf:  of  the  hoary  sage  shall  bless 
-thee,  and  tlie  shepherd  as  lie  tends  his  flocks  in  the  pas- 
tures of  tiie  Ganges, shall  rehearse  the  glories  of  thy  reign. 

Tiius  shall  thy  life  glide  on  serenely  ;  and  when  the 
angel  ofdeaili  receives  his  commission  to  put  a  period  to 
thy  existence,  thou  shalt  receive  the  sunnnons  with  tran- 
quillity, and  pass  v>'ithout  fear  the  gloomy  valley,  that 
separates  time  from  eternity  ;  for  remember,  my  son, 
this  life  is  nothing  more  than  a  sliort  portion  of  duration, 
a  prelude  to  anotlicr,  which  will  never  have  an  end. 

It  is  a  state  of  trial,  a  jjeiiodfif  probation;  and  as  we 
spend  it  either  in  the  service  of  virtue  or  vice,  our  state 
in  the  regions  of  eternity  will  be  happy  or  miserable. 
Farewell,  my  son,  I  am  arri\'ed  at  the  brink  of  the  preci- 
pice that  divides  the  regions  of  spirits  from  those  inhab- 
ited by  mortals.  Treasure  up  the  instructions  of  thy 
dying  father  in  thy  breast ;  practise  them,  and  be  happy. 
— eS;^— 
SECTION  XLIII. 

Words  of  two  syUahhs,  accented  on  the  second. 
1  "^  1 


A  base,  v.  to  humble,  to  cast 

down 
A  bate,  v.  to  decrease 
A  bide,  v.  to  stay  in  a  place 
A  board,  ad.  in,  or  on  board 

a  sliip 
A  bode,  n.  habitation 
Ab  stanij  v.   to  refrain  from 
A  base,  v.  to  revile,  to  make 

an  ill  use  of  [diing 

A  buse,  n.  tlie  ill  use  of  any 
Ac  cuse,  V.  to  blame 
Ac  quaint,  v.  to  inform 
Ac  quire,  v.  to  train 
A  cute,  a.  sharp,  keen 
Ad  here,  v.  to  stick  close  to 
A  dicu,  ad.  farewell 
Ad  mire,  v.  to  esteem 


A  dorr,  V.  to  worship 
Ad  vice,  n.  counsel,  notice 
Ad  vi.so,  V.  to  counsel 
A  frani,  a.  fearful 
A  gTcc,  V.  to  consent       [ner 
A  like,  ad.  in  the  same  man- 
A  lone,  a.  widiout  company 
Al  Tiiough,     conj.     notwith- 
standing 
A  maze,  v.  to  confuse 
A  mu5e,  V.  to  divert 
Ap  pctfl,  V.  to  refer  to  another 

as  judge 
Ap  peca-,  r.  to  be  visible 
Ap  ply.  V.  to  put   one  thing 

to  another 
Ap  proach,  v.  to  draw  near  to 
A  rise,  i'.  to  rise  up,mount  up 


104 


THE  AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Ar  rar'^n,  ».  to  call  to  answer 

in  court,  to  accuse 
Ar  range,  v.  to  set  in  order 
Ar  ray,  v.  to  put  in  order  ;  to 

dress  [paid 

Ar  rear,  n.  part  of  a  debt  un- 
Arrive,  ly.  to  come  to  a  place 
As  cribe,  v.  to  attribute  to 
A  sleep,  ad.  at  rest,  sleeping 
At  tain,  V.  to  gain,  to  reach 
A  wake,  v.  to  rouse    out  of 

sleep 
Be  gwile,  V.  to  deceive 
Be  hold,  V.  to  see,  to  view 
Be  lief,  n.  credit,  opinion 
Be  lieve,  v.  to  credit,  to  have 

faith,  to  think  true 

Be  moan,  v.  to  lament, bewail 

Be  queaTH,  v.  to  give  by  will 

Be  reave,  v.  to  deprive  of 

Be  seech,  v.  to  beg,  entreat 

Be  side,    }  ,    , 

n      -J       >  ur.over and  above 
Be  sides,  ^  ^ 

Be  siege,  v.  to  beset,  attack 
Be  wail,  V.  to  lament,  grieve 
Be  ware,  v.  to  be  cautious 
Bias  pheme,Ty.  to  speak  wick- 
edly, to  curse 
Block  ade,  v.  to  shut  up 
Ca  reer,  n.  a  course,  race 
Chas  tise,  v.to  punish,  correct 
Com  pare,  v.  to  examine  one 
,  thing  by  another        [mrnt 
Com  plain,  v.  to  murmur,  la- 
Com  plaint,  n.  an  accusation  ; 

a  disease 
Complete, a.  perfect,finishcd 
Com  ply,  V.  to  yield   or   sub- 
mit to 
Com  pose,  v.  to  put  together 
Com  pute,  V.  to  reckon 
Con  ceive,  v.  to  understand 
Con  cise,  a.  brief,  short  , 


1 

Con  elude,  r.  to  finish,  decide 
Con  fide,  v.  to  trust  in 
Con  fine,  v.  to  imprison,  limit 
Con  fuse,  v.  to  disorder 
Con  fute,  V.  to  disprove 
Con  geal,  v.  to  freeze,harden 
Con  sole,  y.  to  comfort,  cheer 
Con  strain,  v.  to  compel 
Con  straint,  n.  compulsion 
Con  sume,T;.to  spend,  destroy 
Con  tain,  v.  to  hold, comprise 
Con  trive,  v.  to  plan,  invent 
Con  Vene,  v.  to  call  together, 

to  assemble 
Cre  ate,  v.  to  form,  produce 
Do  base,  v.  to  degrade,  lessen 
De  bate,  v.  to  dispute,  argue 
De  cay,  r.lo  consume,dccline 
De  re/{,  n.  fraud,  treaci)ery 
De  ce/ve,  v.  to  impose  upon 
Do  cide,  v.  to  determine 
Dc  clarCjV.to  aflirm,proclaim 
Do  crease,  v.  to  diminish 
De  cree,  n.  a  law,  rule 
De  face,r.to  disfigure,dcstroy 
De  fajiie,  v.  to  censure  falsely 
De  feat,  71.  destruction,  over- 
throw; 7'.  to  disappoint 
De  flic,  V.  to  pollute,  to  mako 

foul,  taint 
De  fine,  v.  to  explain,  limit 
De  fy,  v.  to  challenge,  dare 
De  grade,  v.  to  place  lower 
De  lay/,  v.  to  put  ofl',  hinder 
De  I'lf^/tt,  »i.  joy,  pleasure 
De  hide,  v.  to  deceive 
Dc  note,  v.  to  mark,  show 
Dc  ny,  V.  to  refuse,  disown 
De  plore,  v.  to  lament,  bewail 
De  prive,  v.  to  take  from,  be- 
reave [der 
De  range,  t.  to  put  out  of  or- 
Dc  ride,  V.  to  laugh  at,nio<rk 


THE.  AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


105 


De  scribe,  v.  to  represent  by 

words  or  figures 
De  sire,  v.  to  wish,  long  for ; 

n.  a  wish 
De  spise,  v.  to  disdain,  5Corn 
De  tain,  v.  to  keep,  withhold 
De  vice,    n.    a    contrivance, 
scheme  [up 

De  vote,  r.to  dedicate,to  give 
Dis  close,  V.  to  reveal,  to  tell 
Dis  cowrse,  n.  conversation 
Dis  creet,  a.  prudent,cautious 
Dis  dain,  v.  to  scorn       [ness 
Dis  eascj  n.   distemper,  sick- 
Dis  like,t>.  to  hate,  disapprove 
Dis  place,D.toput  out  of  place 
Dis  please,  v.  to  ofl'end 
Dis  pute,  n.  a  contest,  contro- 
versy 
Dis  taste,  n.  dislike,  disgust 
Di  vide,  v.  to  part,  separate 
Ef  face,  V.  to  blot  out,destroy 
E  lope,  V.  to  run  away 
Em  brace,  v.  to  comprise  ;  to 
hold  fondly  [round 

En  close,  V.  to  fence  in,  sur- 
En  croach,  v.  to  invade,  in- 
trude 
En  dear,  v.  to  make  dear 
En  dure,  v.    to  undergo  ;  to 

continue 
En  force,  t:.  to  compel,  urge 
En  gage,  v.  to  enlist,  oppose 
En  grave,!),  to  cut  characters 
En  rage,  v.  to  provoke 
En  robe,  v.  to  dress,  adorn 
En  rol,  V.  to  record,  register 
En  slave,  v.     to   deprive  of 

liberty 
En  sure,  [s  like  sh]  v.  to  se- 
cure, ascertain 
En  thronCjiu.to  set  on  a  throne 
Ea  tice,  •».  to  ajliire.  attract 


En  treat,  v.  to  solicit,  beg 
E  rase,  v   to  rub  out,  destroy 
Es  cape,  x'.  to  get  out  of  dan- 
ger, to  shun 
Es  tate,  n.  property,  rank 
Es  teem,  v.  to  think  well  of,  to 
regard;?;. reverential  regard 
E  vade.  v.  to  avoid,  escape 
Ex  ceed,  r.  to  excel,  surpass 
Ex  change,    v.    to  give  one 

thing  for  another 
Ex  cite,  V.  to  stir  up,  move 
Ex  cla?'m,  v.  to   cry  out,  to 

rail  agains't 
Ex  elude,  V.  to  shut  out,  debau* 
Ex  cuse,  V.  to  forgive,  pardon 
Ex  pire,r.to  breathe  out,to  die 
Ex  plani,  V.  to  illustrate 
Ex  plore,r.  to  examine,search 

into 
Ex  pose,  V.  to  put  in  danger, 

lay  open 
Ex  treme,  n.  utmost  point,  ex- 
tremity 
For  bear,  v.  to  cease,  decline 
Fore  bode,  v.  to  foretell 
Fore  know,  v,  to  know  be- 
forehand 
Fore  see,  v.  to  see  beforehand 
For  sake,  v.  to  leave,  desert 
Gen  teel,  a.  polite,  graceful 
Gran  dee,  v.  a  man  of  great 

rank  or  power 
Here  by,  ad.  by  this,  by  these 

means 
Hu  mane,  a.  kind,  tender 
Im  bibe,  v.  to  drink  in,  to  ad- 
mit into 
Im  pair,  v.  to  diminish,  injure 
Im  peach,   ?•.  to   accuse   by 

publick  authority 
Im  pede,  v.  to  hinder,  obstruct 
Im  plore,  v.  to  beseech,  he% 


}06 


Tin:  Xy,r.i\\c\y:  i.xi=TKrcTER. 


Im  pi}',  r.  to  cnmpr"u.«^,si;  :go.'ji 
Ini  pose,  7'.  to  enjoin  as  a  du- 
ty ;  to  deceive 
Im  pure,  a.  unholy,  foul 
Ini  pute,  V.  to  ch.irgc   upon, 

attribute 
Tn  case,  v.  to  cover,  infold 
In  cite,  V.  to  stir  up,  anim.'tie 
In  cline,  r.  to  bend,  to  be  dis- 
posed ^ 
In  elude,  r.   to   comprehend, 

to  take  in 
In  crease,  v.  to  grow         [ity 
In  deed,  ad.  in  truth,  in  real- 
In  duce,  v.  to  persuade 
In  flwne,  v.  to  set  on  fire,  heat 
In  fold,  V.  to  inwrap 
In  fuse,  V,  to  pour  in,  to  instill 
In  quire,  v.  to  ask 
m  In  sane,  a.  distracted,  mad 
In  scribe,  v.  to  write  on  any 
thing  ;  to  dedicate         [gle 
In  snare,  v.  to  entrap,  entiin- 
In  spire,  v.  to  breathe  into,  to 

infuse  into  the  mind 
In  twine,  u.  to  twist  or  wreath 

together 
In  vade,  v.  to   enter  or  sejze 

in  a  hostile  manner 
in  vite,  V.  to  bid,ask,persuade 
In  voke,  v.  to  call  upon,  to 

pray  to 
Ju  ly,  n.   the  sevonlh   month 

of  the  year 
Lessee,  n.  a  person  to  whcim 

a  lease  is  given 
Man  kind,n.  the  whole  hum;in 

race 
Ma  ture,  a.  ripe,  perfect,  full 
Mi  nute,  a.  small,  little 
Mis  deed,  m.  an  evil  action 
Mislead,  v.  to   guide    in     ;i 
•  wrong  way 


^ili  place,  p.  to  place  wrong 
iMis  take,  n.  errotfr,  miscon- 
ception [badly 
Mis  u.ve,  r.  to  abuse,  to  use 
Mo  rose,  a.  j>eevish,  sullen 
North  east,  n.  the  point  be- 

l--.veen  the  norlh  and  cyist 
Ob  scone,  a.   immodest,   dis- 
gusting 
Ob  tani,  T^.  to  gain,  acquire 
Ob  tuso,  a.  not  pointed,  dull 
O  paqyo,  a.  dark,  not  trans- 
parent [ject 
Op  po5c,  V.  to  act  agn^inst,  ob- 
Or  da^'n,  v.  to  appoint,  estab- 
lish [der 
Par  ade,  w.  show,  military  or- 
Par  lake,  v.  to  have  or  take  a 

part,  to  participate       ♦ 
Per  cene,  v.  to  discover 
Per  fume,  n.  fragrance,  a  sweet 
odour  ;  v.  to  scent  !, 

Per  spire,  v.  to  sweat  or  steam 
Per  suade,  v.   to  bring  to  an 

ojjinion,  to  influence 
Per  t<un,  r.  to  relate,  belong 
Po  ru.vc,  V.  to  read,  examine 
l*<)  lite,  a.  of  gontiel  manners 
Pol  lute,  V.  to  defde,  corrupt 
Post  poije,  V.  to  put  oil",  delay 
Pro  cede,  v.   to  go  before  in 

runk  or  time 
Pre  rise,  a.  exact,  strict,  nice 
Pre  elude,  v.  to  sliut  out 
Pre  pare,  v.  to    make  ready, 
to  fit  [tell 

Pre  saj^e,  v.  to  foreliode,  fore- 
Pro  S(rib(>,  f.  to  order,  direct 
Pr<!  sido,  V.  to  stiperintond 
Pre  vail,  v.  to  take  j)laco,  in- 
duce, overcome  [ture 
Pn;  .sumc,  V.  to  suppose,  vcn- 
IVo  ccod,  r.  to  go   forward 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


107 


Pro  claim,  v.  to  tell  openly, 

to  promulgate 
Pro  duce,   V.    to    exhibit,   to 

bring  forth 
Pro  fane,  a.  wicked,  poUoted; 

V.  to  violate 
Pro  fuse,  a.  lavish,  wasteful 
Pro  mote,  v.  to  for\v;ird,  exalt 
Pro  pose,  V.  to  offer  for  con- 
sideration 
Pro  vide,  v.  to  procure,furnish 
Pro  voke,  v.  to  rouse,  enrage 
Pur  sue,  V.  to  follow,  continue 
Pur  suit, n.the  act  of  following 
Re  buke,  v.  to  reprove,  chide 
Re  cede,  v.  to  fall  back,  desist 
Re  ceipt,  n.  an  acquittance  ; 

a  reception 
Re  cetve,  v.  to  take,  admit 
Re  cite,  iJ.  to  repeat,  rehenrse 
Re  claim, T.  to  reform,  correct 
Re  cluse,  a.  shut  up,  retired  ; 
n.  a  person  shut  up  or  retired 
Re  coj/rse,  n.  an  application 

for  help  [saye 

Re  deem,r.  to  ransoni,rescue, 
Re  duce,  v.  to  make  less 
Re  fine,  v.  to  purify,  improve 
Re  frain,  v.  to  forbear,  alistain 
Re  fuse,  v.  to  deny,  reject 
Re  fute,  V.  to  prove  false  or 

erroneous  [anew 

Re  gain,  v.  to  recover,  to  gain 
Re  late,  v.  to  tell,  recite 
Re  lease,  v.  to  set  free  ;  «.  a 

dismission,  discharge 
Re  lief,  ?/.  help,  alleviation 
Re  lieve,  v.  to  assist,  succour 
Re  ly,  V.  to  put  trust  in 
Re  main,  v.  to   continue,  to 

be  left 
Re  mind,  v.  to  put  in  mind 
Re  raote,  a  distant,  far  off 


1 

Re  new,  v.  to  restore  to  the 

former  state  ;  to  make  anew 
Re  psir,  V.  to  mend,  refit  . 
Re  pay,  V.  to  pay  back 
Re  pe«l,  V.  to  make  void,  an- 
nul ;  n.  an  abolition 
Re  peat,  v.  to  recite,  rehearse 
Re  pine,  r,  to  grieve,  murmur 
Re  place,  r.  to   put  again  in 

place  [answer 

Re  ply,  V.  to  ansvy^er ;  n.  an 
Re  port,  V.  to  give  an  account 

of;  n.  a  rumour  [sleep 
Re  pose,  V.  to  lay  to  rest,  to 
Ke  prieve,  v.  to  respite  from 

punishment 
Re  proflch,  v.  to  censure 
Re  quire,  v.  to  demand 
Re  side,  v.  to  live  in  a  place 
Re  sign,  V.  to  give  up,  submit 
Re  store,!' .togive  back,relieve 
Re  strain,  v.  to  withhold 
Re  straint,  71.  abridgment  of 

liberty 
Re  sume,  v.  to  begin  again  ; 

to  take  back 
Re  tail,    v.  to  sell   in    small 

quantities 
Re  tain,  v.  to  keep 
Re  take,  v.  to  take  again 
Re  tire,  v.  to  w!thdraw,retreat 
Re-aeat,  x'.  to  retire 
Re  veal,  v.  to  make  known^ 

disclose  [our 

Re  vere,  v.  to  reverencc,hon- 
Re  vile,  V.  to  reproach,  vilify 
Re  vise,  v.  to  re-examine,  to 

review 
Re  vive,  v.  to  renew,  quicken 
Re  voke,  r.  to  recall,  repeal 
Sa  lute,  V.  to  greet,  to  hail  ; 

'/>.  salutation,  n  kiss 
Se  ciote,  V.  to  hide,  conceal 


iOS  tHE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

SECTION  XLIV. 

The  PupiVs  address  to  his  Schooi  Companions. 
My  deau  fellow  pltpils, 

TiiE  power  of  Art  and  Industry,  has  turned  the  wild 
w  ilderne-js  and  the  barren  waste  into  a  fruitful  field ;  and 
now  the  dews  of  heaven  light  on  those  branches  which 
gladdtn  the  heart  of  man.  Even  so  the  barren,  barba- 
rous, uncultivated  human  mind,  will  produce  nothing 
but  ignorance  and  iniinorality,  unless  timely  cultivated 
by  a  well-appoiiited,  and  well-disciplined  education. 

O  Education,  I  owe  tliee  much — Parents  and  Teach- 
ers, I  owe  you  much  also ;  and  may  the  glow  of  grati- 
tude to  my  God  and  you,  which  this  moment  fills  my 
breast,  be  taken  as  a  pledge  of  my  future  care,  to  walk 
by  the  same  n?ie,  to  mind  the  same  things — and  let  us, 
my  literary  companions,  joy  and  rejoice,  that  the  bud 
and  the  truit  dci»in  some  degree  appear. 

Let  us  to-day  resolve,  that  nothing  shall  stop  us  in 
pursuing,  with  an  ardour  worthy  the  greatness  of  the 
ucquisliujn,  those  heights  and  depths  of  learning  which 
lie  before  us,  and  to  which  we  know  we  have  not  yet  at- 
tained. 

Ijet  us  ever  remember,  that  vice  and  idleness  are  fa- 
tal obstacles  to  mental  improvement ;  that  it  is  only  by 
constant  study  and  application,  that  we  can  attain  to 
the  li)HOur  of  being  go.ul  scliolars,  or  famous  literary 
characters — and  this  boon  once  obtained  and  Airtuously 
applied,  will  procure  for  us  credit  and  co'.isequence  in 
every  station  of  life. 

And  that  this  may  be  tiie  case, let  usbyall  nieanshou- 
our  Cod  aiul  krrp  his  coniinandnicnts;  let  us  obedient- 
ly love  and  revere  our  parents  ;  I'.'t  us  live  in  peace  and 
love  with  onr  school-fellows,  ;uid  nobly  emulate  each 
other  in  striving  which  shaN  be  the  wisest  and  best. 

And  let  us,  I  entreat  you,  seriously  and  constantly 
regaid  the  insiructions,  admonitions  and  reproofs  of  our 
respected  teacijors;  .>-()  shall  we,  by  these  mean^',  lay  u 
good  foundation  for  the  ii:n('  to  come,  und  with  our  own 
hands,  form  a  U;urel  wreath,  that  shall  ne\er  fade  away  ' 


THE  AMERICAN  1N.-TKI^CTEII  _,       109 

SECTION  XLV. 

The  fall  of  the  Leaf 
See  the  leave*  around  us  falling, 

Dry  anil  whlier'd  to  the  ground  ; 
Thus  to  thoiiglitirss  mortals  calling, 

With  a  sad  and  solemn  sound. 

"  Sons  of  ;vdam,  (once  in  Eden 

Blighted  when  like  us  he  fell,)^ 
Hear  the  lecture  we  are  reading : 

'Tis  alas  !  the  truth  we  tell. 

Virgins,  much,  too  much  presuming 

On  your  boasted  whhe  and  red  ; 
View  us,  late  in  beauty  blooming, 

Number'd  now  among  the  dead. 

Griping  misers,  nightly  waking, 

See  the  end  of  all  your  care  ; 
Fled  on  wings  of  our  own  making, 

We  have  left  our  owners  bare. 

Sons  of  honour,  fed  on  praises, 

Flutt'ring  high  in  fancy'd  worth  ; 
Lo  !  the  fickle  air  that  raises, 

Brings  us  down  to  parent  earth. 

Youth,  though  yet  no  losses  grieve  you, 

Gay  in  health  and  manly  grace. 
Let  not  cloudless  skies  deceive  you  ; 

Summer  gives  to  Autumn  place. 

Venerable  sires,  grown  hoary, 

Hither  turn  the  unwilling  eye  ; 
Think  amidst  your  falling  glory. 

Autumn  tells  a  winter  nigh. 

Yearly  in  our  course  returning. 

Messengers  of  shortest  stay  ; 
Thus  we  preach  the  truth  concerning^ 

Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away. 

On  the  tree  of  Life  Eternal, 

Man,  let  all  thy  hopes  be  stay'd ; 
Which  alone,  for  ever  vernal, 

Bears  a  leaf  that  ne'er  shall  fade."' 

10 


*110  THE  AMERICAN  INSTKUCTER, 

SECTION  XLVI. 

The  Cuckoo. 

Hail  beauteous  stranger  of  the  wood, 

Attendant  on  the  Spring  I 
Now  heaven  repairs  thy  vernal  seat. 

And  woods  thy  welcome  sing. 

•Soon  as  the  daisy  decks  the  green, 
Thy  certain  voice  we  hear  ; 

Hast  thou  a  star  to  guide  thy  path, 
Or  mark  the  rolling  year? 

Delightful  visitant !  with  tliee 
I  hail  the  tinre  of  flowers. 

When  heaven  is  fili'd  with  musick  sweef 
Of  birds  among  the  bowers. 

The  school-boy  wandering  in  the  wood,. 

To  pull  the  flowers  so giy, 
Oft  starts,  thy  curious  voice  to  h<;ar. 

And  imitates  thy  lay. 

Soon  as  the  pea  puts  on  the  bloom, 
Thou  fl3^'sl  the  vocal  vale  ; 

An  annual  guest  in  otiier  Luids, 
Anotlror  spring  to  hail. 

Sweet  bird,  thy  bower  is  ever  green, 

Thy  sky  is  ever  clour  ; 
Thou  hast  no  sorrow  in  tliy  soirg. 

No  winter  in  thy  year. 

O!  could  I  fly,  I'd  fly  with  liice  ; 

We'd  mnke,  with  joyfid  wiuir. 
Our  annual  visit  o'er  the  glohtN 

Companions  of  the  s;)riii'j. 

SECTION  XLVII. 

Heave/ili/  IVisdom. 

How  happy  is  the  ni:iii  wiio  hears 
Instruction's  wariiiu!.''  voice  ! 

And  who  celestinl  wisdom  makes 
His  early,  only  rl.oicr. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  ,     HI 

For  she  has  treasures  greater  far  yftfafcfc.. 

Than  east  or  west  unfold  ;  "^B^^^ 

And  her  reward  is  more  secure 

Than  is  the  gain  of  gold. 

In  her  right  hand  she  holds  to  view 

A  length  of  happy  j'ears ; 
And  in  her  left,  tlie  prize  of  fame 

And  honour  bright  appears. 

She  guides  the  young,  with  innocence. 

In  virtue's  patli  to  tread : 
A  crown  of  glory  she  bestows 

Upon  the  hoar}  head. 

According  as  her  labours  rise, 

So  her  rewards  increase  : 
Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness. 

And  all  her  paths  are  peace. 

SECTION  XLVIIL 

Words  of  two  syllables,  accented  on  the  second;  Continued. 
1 


Se  cure,  v.  to  make  certain 
Se  date,  a.  calm,  serene 
Se  duce,  v.  to  tempt,  mislead 
Se  renej  a.  calm,  undisturbed 
Se  vei-e,  a.  cruel,  rigid 
Sin  cere,  a.  pure,  honest 
Sub  due,f .  to  con(]uor,reduce, 

tame,  oppress 
Sub  lime,  a.  exalted,  high 
Sub  scribe,  v.  to  sign,  consent 
Sue  ceed,  v.  to  follow  in  or- 
der ;  to  prosper 
Sup  ply,  V.  to  till  up,  relieve  ; 

n.  a  relief  of  want,  aid 
Sup  port,  t;.  to  sustain,  endure 
Sup  pose,  V.  to  imagine 
Su  preme,  a.  highest  in  digni- 
ty or  authority 
Sur  prise,  v.  to  take  unawares, 
astonish  ;  «.    astonishment 
Sur  vive,  v.  to   remain  alive, 
to  live  after 


Sus  tafn,  r.  to  bear,  support 
Un  bind,  v.  to  loose,  untie 
Un  tXeaw,  a.  foul,  filthy 
Un  close,  V.  to  open 
Un  fair,  -a.  not  fair,  dishonest 
Un  fold,7J.  to  expand,discover 
U  nite,  V.  to  join,  to  agree 
Un  kind,  a.  not  kind,  cruel, 

unfavourable 
Un  known,  a.  not  known,  not 

discovered  [ous 

Un  safe,  a.  not  safe,  danger- 
Un  wise,  a.  defective  in  wis^ 

dom,  foolish 
Where  by,  ad.  by  which 
WIth  hold,  V.  to  keep  back, 

restrain 
2 
A  breast,  ad.  side  by  side 
A  bridge,  v.  to  shorten 
Ab  rupt,  a.  sudden,  hasty 
Ab  stract,  r.  to  separate  ideas 


112 


THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER. 


f 


Ab  surd,  a.  unreasonable 
Ac  curs«,  V.  to  doom  to  misery 
Ac  quit,  V.  to  set  free 
A  dapt,  V.  to  fit,  to  suit 
Ad  dress,  v.  to  speak  or  write 
to  ;  «.  a  verbal  application 
A  dept,  n.  one  well  versed  in 

an  art 
Ad  just,  V.  to  regulate 
Ad  mit,  V.  to  allow,  to  suffer 
Ad  vance,  v.  to  come  forward 
Af  flict,  V.  to  grieve 
Af  inght,  V.  to  terrify 
A'  men',  ad.  so  be  it,  so  may 

it  be,  so  it  is 
A  mend,  v.  to  correct 
A  midst, pr.  in  the  middle 
An  nex,  v.  to  join,  add 
Ar  rest,  v.  to  seize,  stop 
As  cend,  v.  to  go  up,  rise 
As  sess,i).  to  charge  with  any 

certain  sum 
As  sist,  V.  to  help,  relieve 
At  tempt,  V.  to  try,  attack 
Be  friend,  v.  to  favour 
Be  head,  v.  to  cut  off  the  head 
Ca  nal,  n.  a  course  of  water 

made  by  art  ;  a  passage 
Ca  ress,  v.  to  treat  kindly 
Ce  ment,  v.  to  unite,  join 
Col  lect,  V.  to  gather 
Com  mcncr.,  v.  to  begin 
Com  mend,  r.  to  praise 
Com  pact,  a.  firm,  close,  solid 
Com  pel,  V.  to  force,  drive 
Con  cur,  ^'.  to  agree,  unite 
Con  dense,  v.  to  make  or  grow 

more  thick 
Con  fess,  V.  to  acknowledge 
Con  nect,  v.  to  join,  unite 
Con  sept,  V.  to  agree  to 
Con  sist,  r.  to  be  made  ol 
Construct,  r.  to  form,  bntM 


Con  suit,  V.  to  ask  advice 
Con  temn,  v.  to  despise 
Con  tempt,  n.  scorn,  disdain  . 
Con  tend,  v.  to  dispute,  strive 
Con  tent,  a.  satisfied,  easy 
Con  tract,!',  to  shorten,  draw 

together ;  to  bargain 
Con  vcrsf ,  v.  to  discourse,talk 
Cor  rupt,  a.  wicked  ;  rotten 
Cra  vat,  n.  an   ornament  for 

the  neck 
De  bar,!',  to  exclude,  shut  out 
De  duct,  V.  to  subtract 
De  feet,  n.  fault,  blemish 
De  fend,  v.  to  guard,  protect 
De  ^end,v.  to  rely  on,  trust  to 
De  sert,  v.  to  forsake,  leave 
De  serve,  v.  to  be  worthy  of 
De  sist,  V.  to  cease  from,  stop 
Di  gress,  v.  to  depart  from  the 

subject 
Dis  miss,i;.  to  discharge,  to 

send  away 
1  Dis  pel,  V.  to  drive  away 
I  Dis  perse,  v.  to  scatter 
1  Dis  tinct,a.  clear,  unconfused 
Dis  tract,  i'.  to  perplex,  vex, 

make  mad 
Dis  tress,  n.  misery,  want 
Dis  turb,r.  to  perplex,  disquiet 
Di  vest,r.  to  strip,make  naked 
Di  vulge,  V.  to  publish,  reveal 
E  clipsc,  «.  an  obscuration  of 

a  luminary 
E  lapse,  X'.  to  pass  away 
K  lect,  V.  to  choose,  select 
E  merge,  v.  to  rise  out  of  ob- 
scurity 
K  mit,  r.  to  send  forth,  dis- 
charge 
En  act,  v.U>  establish,  decree 
[En  camp,  v.  lo  pitch  tents 
En  chant,  7'.t^>  be\viich,cluu-m 


THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER. 


11$ 


Enhance,  v.  to  raise  the  price 
E  nough,  a.  sufficient,  plenty 
En  rich,  v.  to  make  wealthy 
En  trap,  v.  to  entangle, to  trap 
E  quip,  V.  to  dress  or  fit  out 
E  vent,  n.  incident,  end 
Ex  act,  a.  accurate,  punctual 
Ex  eel,  ■u.  to  out  do,  surpass 
Ex  cess,  n.  intemperance,  su- 
perfluity . 
Ex  ist,  V.  to  have  a  being 
Ex  pect,  V.  to  wait  or  look  for 
Ex  pel,  V.  to  drive  out,  banish 
Ex  pead,  V.  to  lay  out,  spend 
Ex  pense,  n.  cost,  charges 
Ex  pert,  a.  ready,  skilful 
Ex  tend,  V.    to    stretch    out, 

enlarge 
Ex  tent,n.  compass  of  a  thing 
Ex  tinct,  a. cxtniguished, abol- 
ished, at  an  end         [select 
Ex  tract,    v.  to  draw  out  of. 
Ex  ult,  V.  to  rejoice 
Fare  well,  n.  adieu,  leave 
Fi  nance,  n.  revenue,  income 
For  bid,  v.  to  order  not  to  do 
For  get,   [g  hard]  v.  to  lose 

>nemory  of 
For  giv<;,[g  hard]t'.  to  pardon 
Ful  fil,  V.  to  accomplish 
Gal  lant,    n.  a  suiter,  lover, 

attendant 
Ha  rangj/e,  n.  an  oration 
Im  mense,  a.  unlimited 
Ini  merse.  v.  to  put  under  wa- 
ter \  [drive  on 
Im  pel,  V.  to  urge  forward,  to 
Ini  plant,  v.  to  infix,  insert 
Im  print,  v.    to  print  ;  to  fix 

on  the  mind 
In  cur,  V.  to  become  liable  to 
In  dulgCjV.to  humour,  gratify 
In  feet,  V.  to  taint,  pollute 

10^ 


In  fest,  'Z'v^o  disturb,  harass 
In  fleet,  V.  t(i,change  or  vary  ; 

to  bend.    •      ^ 
In  flict,  V.  to   punish,  lay  up- 
on, impose 
In  fringe,  v.  to  violate 
In  scrt,r.  to  place  in  or  among 

other  things 
In  sist,  V.  to  ixrge,  persist  in 
In  graft,  v.  to  insert  a  sprig 
of  one  tree  in  another  ;  to 
fix  deep 
In  spect,  V.  to  examine,  view 
In  stil,  V.  to  insinuate,  to  in- 
fuse b}"  drops 
In  struct,  V.  to  teach,  direct 
In  suit,  T.  to  treat  with  inso- 
lence 
In  tend,  v.  to  design,  to  mean 
In  tense,  a.  vehement,  ardent 
In  tent,  n.  a  design,  aim 
In  ter,  75.  to  bury 
In  trench,  v.   to    fortify  with 
a  trench  [out 

In  vent,  r.  tv)  contrive,  find 
In  vert,  v.  to  change,  t«  turn 
upside  down  [array 

In  vest,  V.  to  confer,  dress, 
In  iimip,  V.  to  cover,  involve 
Ja  pan,  n.  a  varnish  made  to 

work  in  colours 
La  ment,  r.  to  mourn,  weep 
Mis  rhaiice,  71.  ill  luck 
Mis  judge,  v.  to  jiidge  wrong 
Mis  ma?ch,   i\  to  match  un- 
suitably 
Mis  print,  r.  in  print  wrong 
Mis  trust,  V.  to    suspect  ;  n.. 

suspicion 
Mo  lest,  V.  to  trouble,  distm'b 
North  west,  n.  the  point  be 

tween  north  and  west 
Object,  V.  to  oppose 


ri4 


THE   AMERICAN    I.NSTRUCTEft* 


Ob  serve,  v.  to  watch,  luiiul 
Ob  struct,  V.  to  hiifder 
Oc  cult,  a.  secret,  hidden 
Oc  cur,  V.  to  come,  to  hajiptm 
Offence,  71.  ;i  crime,  fault 
Offend,  7;.  todisj)Ioiise,anVimt 
O  mit,  V.  to  leave  out,  pass  by 
0|)  press,  c'.  H)  injure,  subdue 
Out  run,  V.  \o  run  faster  than 

another 
Out  wit,  V.  to  cheat,  to  over- 
come by  stratagem 
Per  haps,  ad.  peradventurc 
Per  mit,  v.  to  allow,  to  suffer 
Per  plex,  v.  to  vex,  disturb, 

entangle 
Per  sist,  v.  to  persevere 
Per  vert, -J.  to  mislead, corrupt 
Pos  5ess,  V.  to  enjoy,  obtain 
Pre  diet,  v.  to  foretell 
Pre  fer,  v.  to  regard  more 
Pre  fix,  V.  to  place  before 
Pre  sent,  V.  to  exhibit;  to  give 
Pre  serve,  v.  to  save,  keep  ;  n. 

fruit  preserved  with  sugar 
Pre  tcnce,  n.  showing  what  is 

not  real 
Pre  tend,  v.  to  show  falsely, 

to  show  hypocritically 
Pre  vent,  i^.  to  hinder,  stop 
Pro  fess,  V.  to  declare  openly 
Pro  ject,  V,   to  jut  out ;    to 

contrive,  invent 
Pro  pel,  V,  to  drive  forward 
Pro  tect,  V.  to  defend 
Pro  test,  V.  to  declare,  affirm 
Pro  tract,  v.  to  lengthen 
Re  bel,  v.   to  oppose  lawful 

authority 
Re  bwild,   V.    to    build    over 

again 
Re  cant,  v.   to  recall,  to  re- 
tract au  opinion 


Re  cess, /I.  retirement,  retreat, 

privacy 
Redress,  i'.  to  set  right,  cor- 
rect ;  Ji.  remedy,amendment 
He  fit,  V.  10  repair  [back 

Re  fleet,  V.  to  think  ;  to  throw 
Re  fresh,  c-.  to  revive,  cheer 
He  fund,!',  to  pay  back,restore 
Re  gret,  n.  grief,  sorrow;  v.  to 
repent,  to  grieve  at  [off 
Re  ject,  V.  to  refuse,  to  cast 
Re  lent,  v.  to  feel  compas- 
sion, to  soften 
Re  mit,  v.  to  forgive  ;  to  send 

money  to  a  distant  place 
Re  pass,  V.  to  pass  again 
Re  past,  n,  a  meal,  the  act  of 

eating 
Re  pent,  i'.  to  think  on  any 

thing  with  sorrow- 
Re  print,  V.  to  print  a  new 

edition 
Re  pulse,  V.  to  beat  back 
Re  quest,   v.  to  solicit,  ask  ; 

n.  an  entreaty,  petition 
Re  sent,  v.  to  take  as  an  affront 
Re  serve,  v.  to  keep  in  store, 

to  retain 
Re  sist,  V.  to  opposc,withstand 
Re  spect,  V.  to  regard  ;  n.  es- 
teem, regard 
Re  strict,  r.  to  limit    [elusion 
Re  suit,  ji.  consequence,  con- 
Re  tract,  V.  to  recall,  recant 
Re  turn ,  r.  to  come  or  go  back; 

71.  the  act  i»f  coming  back 
Revenge,  n.  return  of  an  in- 
jury ;  V.  to  return  au  iujivry 
Ro  bust,  a.  strong,  vigorous 
Se  lcct,T'.  to  choose  in  prefer- 
ence ;  a.well  chosen 
Sub  rait,  V.  to  yield,  resign 
Sue  cess,  n.  prosperity,  event 


W 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


115 


*  I         -*  .  . 

Superb,  a.  grand,  pomjjous     \  Ca  tarrA,  v.  a  disease  in  the 

Sup  press,  v.  to  crush;  conceal  !      head 

Sur  pass,  V.  to  excel,  exceed    j  Com  niand,*.  toorder,govcrn 

Trans  act,  v.  to  manage,   ne-  ;  De  mand,  n.  a  chtini ;  v.   to 

gotiate  [convey  I      ask.  to  claim 

Trans  fer,  v.  to  make  over,  to  '  Dis  arm,  v.  to  divest  of  arms 
Trans  gress,  v.  to  violate  j  Dis  charge,  v.  to  dismiss ;  un- 

Un  fit,  a.  iniproper,unsaitabIe        load  ;  to  lire 
Unjust,  a.  dishonest  !  En  larg*;,  v.  to  increase,  swell 

Un  til,  ad.  to  the  time  that      I  Gu\X  ar,  n.  an  instrument  of 

3  !       miisick 

Ab  hor,  V.    to  hate,  detest       j  Im  p;<rt,  v.  to   communicate, 
Ac  cord,  V.  to  agree  to  give 

A  dorn,  V.  to  dress,  decorate    Re  gard,  n.  esteem  ;  v.  to  re 
Ap  plausc,  n.  publick  praise    j      spoct,  to  esteem 
As  sault,  I',  to  attack,  invade    R(jmark,n.observation,note; 
Be  cause,  c  nj.  for  this  reason        v.  to  observe 
Con  form,  i:^  to  comply  with    Un  bar,  v.  to  unbolt 
De  fault,  7j.  failure,  neglect      j  5  "" 

De  form,  v.  to  disfigure  ■  Ab  scond,  c'.  to  hide  one's  self 

De  fraud,  v.  to  elieat,  injure    i  Ac  cost,  v.  to  address 
Ex  alt,  V.  to  lift  up,  magnify,    Be  long,  v.  to  be  the  proper- 
extol  fvise  j      ty  of;  to  appertain  to 
Fore  warn,  71.  to  caution,  ad-  '  Be  yoi\d,pr.   farther  onward 
For  lorn,  a.  forsaken,  lost        |      than  ;  remote  from 
In  form,  v.  to  instruct,  to  tell  j  Dis  solve,  r.  to  melt,  separate 
In  stall,  V.  to  put  into  posses-.  Ex  tol,  v.  to  praise,  magnify 

sion,  invest  }  In  volve,  v.   to  entangle,   in^ 

Out  wa/k,  V.  to   walk  faster        wrap 


than  another 
Per  form,  v.  to  do,  to  execute 
Re  cord,  v.  to  register,  enrol 
Re  form,  v.   to  grow   better, 

to  amend 
Re  morse,  n.  pain  of  guilt 
Re  sort,  r.  to  have  recourse  to 
Re  tort,  V.  to  throw  back,  to 

return 
Re  ward,  n.  recompense  ;  v. 

to  give  in  return,  to  pay 


Pro  long,  V.  to  lengthen  out 
Re  solve,  i\  to  determine ;  to 

answer,  solve 
Re  spouse,  n.  an  answer,reply 
Re  volvc,  V.  to  perform  a  reV" 

oluiion 
Un  lock,r.  to  open  a  lock 

6 
A  do,  n.  trouble,  difficulty 
Ap  prove,  V.  to  like,  justify 
Dis  prove,  v.  to  confute 


Trans  form,  v.  to  change  the  \  Fore  doom,  v.  to  predestinate 
shape  [retreat  j  Im  prove,  v.  to  make  or  be* 

■  With  draw,  v.  to  take  back,to  |      come  better 


A 16 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


Mis  do,  V.  to  do  wrong 
Out  do,  V.  to  excel,  surpass 
Re  move,  v.  to  change  place  ; 

t6  put  from  its  place 
Re  proof,  n.  blame,  rebuke 
Re  prove,  v.  to  chide,  blamo 
Sur  tout,  n.  a  close  overcoat 
Un  do,  V.  to  ruin  ;  to  take  to 

pieces 
8 
A  bove,  pr.  higher  in  place 

or  rank  :  ad.  overhead 


A  mong,     } 
A  raongst,  ^ 


pr.  mingled  with  j 

Be  come,  -.;.  to  befit,  adorn 
Un  done,  a.  ruined  ;  not  per- 
formed 

Con  vey,  V.  to  carry,  transfer 
O  bey, T).  to  pay  submission  to  i 
Sur  vey,  v.  to  overlook,  view, 
measure 

10 
Cha  grin,   [ch  like  sh]  n.  ill 

humour,  vexation 
In  trigwe,  7i.  a  plot,  scheme  ; 
■V.  to  carry  on  private  designs 
Machine,  [ch  like  sh]  n.  any 

engine  to  aid  lumian  power 

in  the  application  of  force 
Ma  rine,  a.  relating  to  the  sea 
Po  lice,  n.  the  government  of 

a  city 

ot 

A  void,  V.  to  shun,  escape 
Ap  point,  V.  to  fix,  establish 
Ex  ploit,  n.  an  achievement, 

action 
Me  moir,  n.  an  account  of  any 

thing 
Re  joice,  -*;.  to  be  ghul,  exult 
Re  join,  V.  to  join  again 
Sub  join^Tj.  to  add  ot  the  end 


OJ/ 

An  noy,  v.  to  vex,  to  incom- 
mode 
De  coy,  v.  to  allure,  mislead 
De  stroy,  v.  to  kill,  to  put  an 
end  to  [to  bu^y 

Em  ploy,  V.  to  keep  at  work, 
Enjoy,  V.  to  feel  with  pleas- 
ure ;  to  obtain    possession 
of  ;  to  live  in  happiness 

ow 

A  bound,  V.  to  have  in  great 

plenty 
A  bout,  pr.  near  to,  relating 
Ac  count,  71.   a    computatioD 

of  debts  or  expenses 
A  mount,  n.  the  sum  total 
An  nounce,  v.  to  publish 
A  round,  pr.  on  every  side, 

about 
A  rou.se,   v.    to    wake     from 

sleep  ;  to  excite  [to  quaff 
Ca  rouse,  v.  to  drink  freely, 
Com  pound,   v.    to    mingle, 

to  mix 
Con  found,  V.  to  perplex 
De  vour,  v.  to  cat  ravenously 
De  vout,  a.  pious,  religious 
Ex  pound,  V.  to  explain 
Pro  found,  a.  deep,  learned, 

submissive 
Pro  nouncc,  7'.  to  speak,  utter 
Pro  pound,  v.  to  propose,ofrcr 
Re  nounce,  v.  to  disown 
Re  .sound,  v,  to  echo,  to  re- 
turn sounds 
Sur  round,  v.  to  encompass, 

enclose  ^ 

Wirn  oy\\,pr.  not  with  ;  not 

within  compass  of 

OW 

Al  low,  V.  to  admit 

En  dow,  r.  to  give  a  portion 

Kc  nown,  n.  fame. celebrity 


THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER.  117 

SECTION  XLIX. 

DrunJcenness. 
If  Dy  an  awful  visitation  of  divine  Providence,  there 
were  spreading  over  all  parts  of  this  country  a  foul  Jind 
loathsome  leprosy,  which  poisoned  and  disfigured  the 
bodies  of  its  victims,  and  affected  their  minds  with  mad- 
ness and  idiotisni ;  if  this  leprosy  had  seized  a  great  part 
of  our  useful  labourers,  and  rendered  them  a  burden  to 
community ;  if  the  prospects  and  the  hopes  of  a  large 
portion  of  our  promising  young  men  had  been  already 
blasted  and  destroyed  by  it;  if  it  had  infected,  more  or 
less,  every  town  and  village,  and  were  spreading  its 
ravages  from  year  to  year,  wider  and  yet  Avider ;  if  this 
were  the  actual  condition  of  our  country,  there  is  no 
telling  how  great  would  be  the  alarm. 

But  Heaven  be  praised,  neither  this  nor  any  similar 
calamity,  has  been  brought  upon  our  country  by  the 
direct  hand  of  Providence,  which  has  showered  on  us 
blessings  without  number,  and  in  great  abundance. 
But  human  folly  and  wickedness  abuse  the  kindness  of 
Providence,  and  change  its  blessings  into  curses. 

Let  sober  reason  judge,  whether  drunkenness,  habit- 
ual drunkenness^  be  not  as  bad  as  the  fatal  leprosy  de- 
scribed ;  nay,  even  worse.  It  impairs  and  corrupts  both 
body  and  mind,  and  brings  down  the  noble  creature  man 
to  a  level  with  the  brute. 

*  It  destroj's  all  moral  principle,  all  sentiments  of  hon- 
our, and  all  feelings  of  humanity.  It  changes  good 
nature  to  churlishness,  a  kind  husband  to  an  unfeeling 
monster,  a  dutiful  son  to  an  unprincipled  villain  without 
natural  affections,  and  an  industrious  thriving  man  to 
an  idle  vagabond. 

It  preys  upon  and  devours  every  thing  that  is  esti- 
mable and  amiable,  both  in  disposition  and  character. 
It  eats  up  the  substance  of  its  votaries,  and  is  an  inlet 
to  all  other  vices,  and  to  almost  every  evil  and  calamity 
that  can  be  named.  This  detestable  demon  might  say- 
in  truth,  "  my  name  is  legion,  for  we  are  many."  Ma- 
ny indeed  are  the  evils,  the  calamities  and  abomiuatioms 
thai  follow  in  th«  train  .of  drunkenness^ 


118  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

Who  hath  wo?  Who  hath  sorrow?  Who  hath  con- 
tentions ?  Who  hath  wounds  witliout  cause  ?  The  drunk- 
ard. Whose  fields  are  neglected  and  overgrown  with 
thorns  and  brambles?  Whose  house  is  tumbling  into 
ruins. for  want  of  necessary  repairs?  Whose  wife  is  con- 
sumed with  weeping  ?  Whose  babes  are  sufiering  hun- 
ger and  nakedness?  The  drunkard's. 

Who  disturb  people's  repose  witli  their  midnight  rev- 
ellings  and  yells  ?  Who  are  the  persons  most  commonly 
engaged  in  quarrels,  in  fightings,  in  riots,  and  in  all 
scenes  of  confusion  and  uproar  ?  Drunkards.  Who  are 
the  lowest  of  all  madmen,  the  most  despicable  of  all 
idiots?  Drunkards. 

The  natural  idiot  and  madman,  who  have  become 
so  by  the  act  of  God,  are  objects  not  of  reproach,  but 
of  compassion.  But  the  drunkard,  who  is  in  fact  an 
idiot  or  a  madman  for  the  time,  is  so  by  his  own  volun- 
tary act ;  he  wilfully  quenches  in  himself  the  lamp  of 
reason,  and  with  his  own  suicidal  hands,  destroys  that 
noble  faculty  which  distinguished  him  from  the  beasts 
that  perish. 

— e©^— 

SECTION  L. 

Ravages  of  DissijJation, 

Not  the  jaws  of  Charybdis,  nor  the  hoarse  rocks  in  Scylla, 

Not  all  the  foil  dangers  that  lurk  in  the  deep, 
Not  the  earth(}uake's  deep  yawn,  nor  the  volcano's  lava, 

Not  the  pestilence'  brcalli,  nor  the  hunicanc's  sweep : 

Not  all  the  dread  monsters  that  live  throu«rli  creation, 
Have  caus'd  such  destnictiun,  such  iniscM-y  and  wo, 

As  from  that  arch  pest  of  ni.uiklnd,  dissijx/tiini ; 

Through  the  civilized  world  it  doth  constantly  flow. 

'Tis  a  vortex  insatiate  on  whose  giddy  bosom 
The  victim  is  whirl'd  till  his  senses  are  gone, 

Till,  lost  to  all  shame  and  the  dictates  of  reason. 
He  lends  not  one  effort  to  ever  return. 

Ah  !   view  on  its  surface  the  nilns  of  genius, 

The  wreck  of  a  scholar,  the  clnistian  and  friend  J 


THE  AMEPaCAN  INSTRUCTER.  119 

The  learning,  the  wit,  the  graces  r)iat  charm'd  us, 
In  the  mind-drowning  bowl  meet  a  premature  end. 

Ah  !  hear,  drown'd  in  tears,  the  disconsolate  mother^ 

Lament  the  lost  state  of  a  favourite  son  ; 
Hear  the  wife  and  the  child,  the  sister  and  brother, 
*'  Mourn  a  husband,  a  father,  a  brother  undone. 

SECTION  LI. 

Description  of  a  Battle. 

A  free  man  takes  a.  musket  on  his  shoulder,  and  fix- 
es on  it  the  murderous  bayonet  ;  he  leaves  his  habita.* 
lion,the  ploughman  quits  his  plough,  the  handicraftsman 
his  workshop,  the  young  man  deserts  the  hymeneal  al- 
tar, a  beloved  son  abandons  an  infirm  father,  and  an  af- 
flicted family  :  they  go  to  swell  the  crowd  of  combat- 
ants, whose  hearts  are  gradually  opened  to  licentious- 
ness, ferocity  and  violence. 

Here  are  a  hundred  thousand  opposed  to  as  many  of 
the  opposite  party  ;  they  draw:  near  each  other  in  a  vast 
plain,  which  will  soon  be  covered  with  blood.  What  a 
prodigious  number  of  men  compacted  against  each 
other,  spreading  their  moving  phalanx,  and  ranged  in 
combined  order,  to  put  each  other  to  death  ! 

Blind  instruments  silently  await  the  signal ;  fierce 
through  duty,  tliey  are  ready  to  destro}?  their  fellow 
creatures  without  resentment  or  anger.  The  majestick 
sun  rises,  whose  setting  so  many  unhappy  wretches  will 
never  behold. 

The  earth  is  covered  with  verdure  ;  mild  Spring  with 
her  azure  veil,  embraces  the  air  ;  nature  smiles  as  a 
tender  mother;  the  glorious  sun  diffuses  his  beneficent 
rays,  which  gikl  and  mature  the  gifts  of  the  Creator  ; 
all  is  calm,  all  is  harmony  in  the  universe. 

Wretched  mortals  alone,  agitated  with  gloomy  fren- 
zy, carry  rage  in  their  bosoms ;  they  meet  to  slaughter 
each  other  on  the  verdant  field.  The  armies  approach  ; 
the  promised  harvest  is  trodden  under  foot — death  flies. 
What  a  horrible  tumult  !  All  nature  groans  in  an  in- 
stant with  the  fury  "of  man. 


120  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

Hear  mt  tiiundering  noise  of  those  horrible  mstru- 
raenis  of  human  revenge  !  Emulous  of,  and  more  terri- 
ble than  the  thunder,  with  their  roar  they  drown  the 
plaintive  trroans  of  the  dying  ;  they  repel  soft  pity, 
wishing  to  make  a  passage  into  the  heart ,  a  cloud  ot 
smoke  from  gunpowder  arises  towards  the  heavens,  as 
if  to  hide  a  collection  of  such  horrours. 

Alas  !  who  would  have  expected  such  a  slaughter  ? 
Tigers,  bears  and  lions,  impelled  whh  voracious  hun- 
ger are  not  inspired  with  such  atrocious  cruelty.  Be- 
hold these  rivulets  of  blood  !  Here  twenty  thousand 
men  are  sacrificed  to  the  caprice  of  one  ;  behold  them 
fall  one  upon  another,  nameless,  untliought  of,  unre- 
gretted,  into  oblivion  ! 

Thus  perish  these  unhappy  mortals  ;  the  skies  re- 
sound with  their  lamentations  ;  trampled  on  by  horses, 
by  their  countrymen,  whom  they  vainly  implore,  they 
expire  a  thousand  different  ways,  in  the  most  horrible 
agonies. 

Others,  yet  more  to  be  pitied,  preserving  a  remnant 
of  life,  and  consumed  by  thirst,  the  most  intolerable  of 
all  torments,  cannot  yet  die ;  while  others,  forgetting 
death,  surround  them,  fall  furiously  on  their  mutilated 
comrades,  and  without  compassion  or  pity  to  their 
wounds,  unmercifully  strip    their   mangled,  trembling 

limbs.  •>    ,  .     , 

Oil,  Creator  of  the  world  !  is  this  man  ?  this  the  au  • 
gust  creature  endowed  with  a  feeling  heart,  and  with 
that  noble  countenance  that  smiles  erect  towards  hea- 
ven, who  has  such  conceptions,  who  cherishes  the  soft 
emotions  of  pity,  and  generous  transports  of  benevo- 
lence, who  can  admire  virtue  and  greatness,  and  can 
weep  wiih  sensibility  ? 

Is  it  his  hand  that  can  erect  the  standard  of  victory 
on  lieaps  of  carcasses,  with  an  odious,  triumphant  joy  ? 
Where  is  the  victory  ?  I  see  nothing  but  tetirs  and 
blood.  Wliere  is  the  triumph  ?  Plunder  does  not  en- 
rich ;  the  tears  of  mankind  will  never  make  an  indi- 
vidual liappy  :  for.  what  ambition  sweeps  in  its  unbri- 
dled careei:,  lleets  from  the  usurper's  hand. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTEP 


t21 


■**■..■ 


SECTION  Lll 

Words  of  three  syllables y  accented  on  the  first. 

I    1 


A  re  a,  n.  superficial  contents 
Beau*  ti  ful,  a.  fair,  comely 
Bravery,  n.  courage, heroism 
By  Stan  der,  n.  a  looker  on, 

one  unconcerned 
Ca  pa  ble,  a.  able,  sufficient 
Care  ful  ness,  n.  watchfulness 
Care  less  ness,  n.  inattention 
Change  a  ble,  a.  incojistant, 

subject  to  change 
Cheer  ful  ness,  n.  liveliness 
Cu  ri  ous,  a.  exact,  neat 
Dan  ger  ous,  a.  hazardous 
De  cen  cy,  n.  modesty,  pro- 
priety 
Di  a  lect,  n.  manner  of  ex- 
pression, particular  style 
Di  a  logMC,n.  conversation  be- 
tween two  or  more  persons 
Di  a  per,  n.  a  kind  of  flower- 
ed linen 
Di  a  ry,  n.  a  daily  account,  a 
journal  [tain 

Du  bi  ous,  a.  doubtful,  uncer- 
Du  ra  ble,  a.  lasting,  firm 
Du  ti  ful,  a.  obedient,  submis- 
sive, kind 
Ea  si  ly,  ad.  without  difficulty 
E  vcn  ness,  n.  loveluess,  reg- 
ularity 
En  lo  gy,  n.  praise,encomium 
Faith  ful  ly,  oJ. honestly ,truly 
Faith  ful  ness,  n.  honesty 
Fa  tal  ly,  ad.  mortally 
Fa  vour  its,».  one  who  is  much 

beloved 
Fear  ful  ness,  n.  timorousness 
Fee  ble  ness,  ii.  weakness,  in- 
firmity 
Fi  er  y,  a.  warm,  passionate 
Fi  na  ble,  a.  subject  to  a  fine 
'  11 


Fi  nal  ly,  ad.  lastly 
Fi  ner  y,  n.  fine  dress,  show 
Fla  vour  ous,a.  fragrant,  odor- 
ous [bility 
Flu  en  cy,  n.  eloquence,  volu- 
Fo  li  age,  n.  leaves,  tufts  of 
trees  [ful 
For  ci  ble,  a.  strong,  power- 
Fra  gran  cy,  w/ sweetness  of 

smell 
Free  hold  er,  n.  a  person  pos- 
sessed of  a  freehold 
Fre  quent  ly,  ad.  often 
Yught  ful  ly,  ad,  dreadfully, 

terribly 
Yvight  ful  ness,  n.  the  power 

of  impressing  terrour 
Fu  ri  ous,  a.  mad,  fierce 
Ge  ni  us,  n.  intellectual  pow- 
er, nature,  wit 
Glo  ri  fy,  v.  to  praise,  worship 
Glo  ri  ous,  a.  noble,  excellent 
Grace  ful  ly,  ad.  elegantly 
Grace  ful  ness,  n.    elegance, 

comeliness 
Grate  ful  ness,  n.  gratitude 
Grce  di  ness,  n.  ravenousness 
Griev  ous  ly,  ad.  painfully 
Has  ti  ly,  ad.  in  a  hurry 
Hate  ful  ness,  n.  odiousness 
Heed  less  ness,n.  carelessness 
Ho  li  ness,  n.  piety,  religion 
Home   1)   ness,  n.    plainness, 

coarseness,  rudeness 
Hu  man  ize,  v.  to  soften,  to 

civilize 
I  die  ness,  n.  laziness,  sloth 
I  vor  y,  71.  the  tusk  of  the  el- 
ephiait  [jewels 

Jew  t'l  lor^  n.  one  who  deo.ls  in 
Jo  vi  ul,  a.  merry,  cheerful 


122 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


Ju  bi  lee,  7t.  a  publick  festivi- 
ty, a  feast 
Ju  ry  man,  n,  a  person  who 

serves  on  a  jury 
Ju  ve  nilc,  a.  youthful,  young 
Aha  ver  y,  n.  dishonesty,  de- 
ceit, villany 
Know  ing  ly,  ad.  designedly, 

wilfully 
La  hour  er,  n.  one  who  is  em- 
ployed in  toilsome  work 
La  dy  ship,  n.  the  title  of  a  lady 
La  zi  ness,  n.  idleness,  sloth- 
fulness 
Le  gal  ly,  ad.  lawfully 
Li  a  ble,  a.  subject,  exposed 
Li  bel  lous,   a.    defamatory, 
abusive  [books 

Li  bra  ry,  n.   a  collection  of 
Like  li  hood,  ii.  probability 
Li  on  ess,  n.  a  female  li(jn 
Live  li  hood,  n.  the  means  of 

living,  maintenance 
Live  li  ness,  n.  briskness 
Lo«TH  some  ness,  n.  the  qual- 
ity of  raising  hatred 
Lone  li  ness,  n.  solitude 
luow  li  ness,  n.  humility 
Lu  era  tivc,  a.  profitable 
Lu  di  crous,  a.  sportive,  mer- 
ry, burlesque 
Lu  min  ous,  a.  bright,  shining 
Ma   son  ry,  «.   the    craft   or 

work  of  a  mason 

Me  di  ate,  v.  to  endeavour  to  L 

reconcile  [or  state  ! 

Medium,  n,  a  middle  placet 

Mee  ting  house,  n.  a  place  of  j 

worship  I 

Me  te  or,  n.  a  body  in  the  air  j 

or  sky  of  a  luminous  tran-  j 

sitoiy  nature      *  {^'"" 

Mo  tion  less,  a.  without  mo  j 


Mi  cro  scope,  n.  an  optick  in- 
strument for  viewing  small 
objects 
Moi/i  di  ness,  n.  the  state  of 

being  mouldy 
M(vnii  ful  ly,  ad.  sorrowfully 
Mo?/rn  ful  ness,7j.  sorrow,grief 
Mu  .se  um,  n.  a  repository  of 

curiosities 
Mu  ti  late,  X'.  to  deprive  of 

some  essential  part 
Mu  ti  ny,  n.  insurrection,  se- 
dition ;  V.   to   rise   against 
authority 
Nee  die  work,  n.    work  done 

with  a  needle 
Ni^/n  in  gale,?J.  a  kind  of  bird 
Mo  ble  man,  n.  a  man  of  high 

rank 
No  ble  ness,  n.  dignity 
No  bod  y,  n.  not  any  bod}' 
No  ti  fy,  V.  to  make  known, 

declare 
No  tion  al,  a.  imaginaj-y   [ber 
Nu  mer  al,  a.  relatiugtonum- 
Nu  mer  t/us,    a.     containing 
many  [food 

Nu  tri  ment,  n.  nowrisinnent, 
Odi  i5us,«.liutcful,abomi!iablc 
Open  ing,«.  a  biracli,aperture 
O  pen  ly,  ad.  publickly 
O  pi  um,  n.  a  juedlcinc'uscd 

to  promote  sleep 
O  ver  bo«rd,  od.  ofl'  or  out  of 

the  "hip 
O  ver  plus,  II..   what  is  fftore 

}tt  ui  sul'ijfieut 
Pa  gan  i.*m,  n.  lieathenism 
Tani  f;d  ne»!s,«.  p.>'in,aflliclion 
I'a  per  mill,  ,7.  a  mill  in  which 

paper  is  mi:. I'.; 
I'a  rent  ago,  72.  birth,  extrac- 
tion, descent 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


123 


Pa  tient  1}',  ad.  quietly 

Pa  tri  ot,  n.   a   lover   of  his 

country 
Pay  a  ble,  a.  to  be  paid,  due 
Pay  mas  ter,  n.  one  who  pays, 

or  is  bound  to  pay 
Peace  a  ble,  a.  quiet 
Peace  a  bly,  ad.  quietly,  with- 
out disturbance  [etly 
Peace  ful  ly,  ad.  mildly,  qui- 
Pee  vish  ness,  n.  fretfulness 
Pe  ri  od,n.  a  full  stop  ;  date  ; 

end,  conclusion 
Pi  e  ty,  n.  a  discharge  of  du- 
ty to  God,  and  to  parents 
Pi  ous  ly,  ad.  in  a  pious  man- 
ner, religiously 
Pi  ra  cy,  n.  robbery  on  the  sea 
Play  fel  low,  n.  a  companion 

in  amusement 
Pli  a  ble,  a.  flexible,  limber 
Po  et  ess,  n.  a  female  poet 
Po  e  try,  n.  metrical  compo- 
sition, poems 
Po  per  y,  n.  the  popish  reli- 
gion, the    religion   of  the 
church  of  Rome 
Por  ta  ble,  a.  that  which  may 
be  carried  [piazza 

Por  ti  CO,  n.  a  covered  walk. 
Post  mas  ter,  n.  one  who  su- 
perintends a  post-office 
Post  of  ficc,  71.  a  place  where 
letters   are    delivered    for 
conveyance  [ereign 

Po  ten  tate,  ?i.  a  monarch,  sov- 
Pre  am  ble,  n.  an  introduction 
Pre  mi  um,  n.  a  reward 
Pre  vi  ous,  a.  antecedent,  go- 
ing before 
Pri  ma  ry,  n.  original,  first 
Pri  va  cy,  n.  secrecy,  rolrsat 
Pri  vate  ly,  ad.  secret). 


1 
Pu  ri  fy,  V.  to  make  pure 
Pii  ri  ty,  n.  clearness,  chasti- 
ty, innocence 
Pu  tre  fy,  v.  to  rot,  corrupt 
Qui  et  ly,flfZ.  calmly ,peaceably 
Qui  et  ness,  n.  stillness,  peace 
Ra  di  aiice,n.di  sparkling  lustre 
Ra  di  ant,  a.  shining,sparkling 
Re  al  ly,  ad.  truly  [sons 

Rca  son  er,  n.   one  who  rea- 
Re  cent  ly,  ad.  lately,  newly 
R//eu  ma  tism,  n.  a  very  pain- 
ful disorder 
Ru  di  ments,  n.  the  first  prin- 
ciples of  a  science 
Sa  cred  ness,  n.  holiness 
Sale  a  ble,  a.  fit  for  sale,  mar- 
ketable 
Se  ere  cy,  n.  privacy,  solitude 
Se  cret  \y,  ad.  privately 
Se  ri  ous,  a.  solemn,  sober 
Shame  ful  ly,  arf.disgracefuUy 
Si  lent  ly,  ad.  without  noise 

or  words 
Sla  ver  y,   n.   servitude,  the 

condition  of  a  slave 
Sleep  i  nessj  n.  drowsiness 
Spite  ful  ness,  n.  malice,  spite 
Spu  ri  ous,a.  false,  counterfeit 
Stew  ard  ship,  n.  the  office  of 

a  steward 
Su  i  cide,  n.  self-murder  ; 

Sut  ta  ble,  a.  fit,  proper,agree- 
able  [some 

Te  di  ous,  a.  wearisome,  irk- 
The    o   ry,    n.     speculation, 

scheme,  plan 
The  a  tre,  ji.   a  play-house, 

place  for  shows 
Ti  tie  page,  n   the  page  con- 
taining the  title  of  a  book 
U  ni  form,  a.  similar  to  itself, 
regular 


124 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


U  ni  ty,  n,  concord,  the  state 

of  being  one 
U  ni  verse,  n.  the  general  sj's- 

tem  of  things  ;  the  world 
U  su  al,  [s  like  zh]   a.  com- 
mon, frequent 
Va  can  cy,  n.  a  vacant  place 
Va  ri  ance,  n.  disagreement 
Va  ri  ous,  a.  difi'erent 
Vi  o  lence,  n.  force,  outrage 
Vi  o  lent,  a.  forcible,  furious 

2 

Ab  so  lute,    a.    not   limited, 

complete  [event 

Ac  ci  dent,  7i.  an  unforeseen 
Ac  cu  rate,  a.  very  exact 
Ac  tu  ate,  [ak  tshu  ate]  v.  to 

put  in  action 
Ad  e  quate,  a.  equal  to 
Ad  jec  tivc,  n.  a  word  added 

to  a  noun  [ofliccr 

Ad  mi  ral,  n.  a  principal  sea- 
Ad  vo  cate,  71.  a  pleader 
Af  fa  ble,  a.  easy  of  manners 
Ag  gra  vate,  v.  to  mako  worse 
Ag  o  nize,  v.  to  be  in  great 

pain 
Ag  o  ny,  n.  violent  pain 
AI  go  bra,  7i.  a  kind  of  arith- 

metick 
Al  pha  bet,  n.  the  letters  of  a 

language 
Am  i  ty,  n.  friendship      [limb 
Am  pu  tate,  v.   to  cut   ofl'  a 
An  ces  tor,  ii.  one  from  whom 

we  descend 
Ad  ec  dote,  n.  a  piece  of  se- 
cret history 
An  i  mal,  n.  a  living  creature 
An  i  mate,  v.  to  quicken 
An  nu  nl,  a.  yearly 
Ap  pc  titc,»i.  u  desire  of  food 
.\(\  TH-  diirt,  ?;.  W* water  pipe 


As  pi  rate,  v.  to   pronounce 

witli  full  breath 
At  mos  phere,  n.  the  air  that 

sinrounds  the  earth 
Av  a  rice,  n.  covetousness 
Aver  a<i[c,7j.  mean  proportion 
Ax  le  tree,  «.  the  pin  on  which 
a  wheel  tijrns  [man 

Bach  e  lor,  ii.  an  unmarried 
IJash  ful  ness,  ??.  want  of  con- 
fidence, diffidence 
Bat  tie  axe,  n.  a  weapon 
Ben  e  fit,  n,  favour,  profit 
Big  ot  ed,  a.  superstitious 
Big  ot  ry,  n.  prejudice,  blind 

zeal 
Bit  ter  ness,  ?^.  a  bitter  taste  ; 

li.  malice  ;  grief 
Bles  scd  ness,  7i.    happinessj 

felicity 
Brev  i  ty,  w.  shortness 
Bur  den  some,  a.  troublesome 
But  ter  fly,  n.  a  beautiful  in- 
sect 
But  ter  y,  Ji.  the  place  where 

provisions  are  kept 
Cul  cu  late,  v.  to  reckon 
Cal  en  dar,  n.  a  yearly  regis- 
ter, an  almanack 
Can  die  stick,    ??.    an    instru- 
ment that  holds  caudles 
Can  is  ter,  n.  a  box  to   hold 

tea,  &;c. 
('an  ni  bal,  n.  a  man-eater 
Cap  i  tal,  n.   principal  sum  ; 
stock ;  large  letter ;  chief  city 
Cap  ti  vate,  v.  to  charm 
Cat  a  log«c,  u.  a  list  of  narac3 
Cat  a  ract,  n.  a  waterfall 
Cav  al  ry,  n.  horse  troops 
Cel  e  hrate,  v.  to  praise 
Cer  t«in  ty,H.exoiuplion  from 
d(Mibt 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


125 


2 
Cer  ti  fy,  V.  to   give   certain 

information 
Cham  pi  on,  n.  a  hero 
Chan  eel  lor,  n.  an  officer  of 
state  [ty 

Chan  cer  y,  n.  a  court  of  equi- 
CAar  ac  ter,  n.  a  mark,  letter ; 
reputation  [pleasure 

Char  i  ot,   ti.   a  carriage    of 
Char  i  ty,  n.   love,  affection, 

tenderness,  alms 
C^ym  is  try,  n.  the  art  of  se- 
parating bodies  by  fire 
Cit  i  zen,    n.    an    inhabitant, 
freeman  of  a  city  [ish 

Civ  il  ize,  v.  to  instruct,  pol- 
Clam  or  ous,  a.  noisy 
Clar  i  fy,  v.  to  purify         [cy 
Clem  en  cy,«.  humanit}',  mer- 
Cler  gy  man,  n.  a  person   in 

holy  orders,  a  minister 
Clum  si  ness,  ?i.  awkwardness 
Cred  i  ble,  a.  worthy  of  credit 
Cred  i  tor,  n.  one  who  trusts 

or  gives  credit 
Crim  i  nal,  n.  a  person  accu- 
sed or  guilty 
Crit  i  cal,  a.  exact,  accurate 
Cul  pa  ble,a.  blamcable,  guilty 
Cul  ti  vate,  v.  to  till,  improve 
Cum  ber  some,  a.  burdensome 
Dec  o  rate,  r.  to  adorn 
Ded  i  cate,  v.  to   consecrate, 

to  devote 
Def  i  nite,  a.  limited,  exact 
Pel  e  gate,  n.   a   deputy,  a 

commissioner 
Del  i  cale,  a.  nice,  fine,  soft 
Dep  u  ty,  n.  one  who  acts  for 

another 
Des  o  late,  a.  solitary 
Des  pe  rate,  a.  without  hope 
Des  po  tism,7j.  absolute  power 


Des  ti  ny,  n.  fate,  doom 
Des  ti  tute,    a.   in   want  of, 

wretched 
Dif  fer  ence,  n.  disagreement 
Differ  ent,  a.  unlike,contrary 
Dif  fi  cult,  a.  not  easy,  trou- 
blesome 
Dif  fi  dent,  a.  not  confident, 

not  certain 
Dig  ni  ty,  n.  grandeur,  rank 
Dil  i  gencc,  n.  industry 
Ed  i  ficc,  n,  a  building,  a  fab- 
rick  [prove 
Ed  i  fy,   T'.    to  instruct,  im- 
Ed  i  tor,  n.  one  that  prepares 

any  work  for  pu'jlication 
El  e  gance,  7i.  beauty  without 

grandeur,  neatness 
El  e  gant,  a.  neat,  beautiful 
El  e  gy,  n.  a  mournful  song 
El  e  phant,  n.  the  largest  of 

all  beasts 
El  c  vate,  v.  to  exalt,  lift  up 
El  o  quencc,    n.   fluency    of 

speech 
El  o  quent,  a.  having  the  pow 

er  of  oratory 
Em  a  nate,  v.  to  issue  or  flow 
Em  i  grant,  n.  one  that  emi- 
grates 
Em  i  gratCj  v.  to  remove  from 
one  place  to  another  [tion 
Em  i  nencc,  n.  iieight,  distinc- 
Em  i  noiit,  a.   high,  exalted, 

conspicuous 
Em  pe  ror,  n.  a  monarch  su- 

periour  to  a  king 
Emp  ti  ness,  n.  -a  void  space 
En  e  my,  n,  a  foe,  opponent 
En  er  gy,  n.   force,  power 
En  mi  ty,  n.  ill  will,  hatredb 
I^n  ter  prise,  n.   a  hazardous 
undertaking,  attempt    .     ' 


12Q 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Ep  i  log«e,  n.  speech  at  the 

end  of  a  play 
Ep  i  taph,   n.   an  inscription 

upon  a  tomb-stone 
Es  ti  mate,  v.  to  rate,  to  value 
Ev  i  de^ce,  ?i.  proof,  witness 
Ev  i  dent,  a.  plain,  clear 
Ex  eel  lent,  a.  eminent,  be- 
ing of  great  virtue 
Ex  e  cute,  v.  to  put  to  death  ; 

to  perform 
Ex  er  cise,  n,  labour,  practice 
Ex  tri  cate,  v.  to  set  free,  de- 
liver [mind 
Fac  ul  ty,  n.  ability,  power  of 
Fal  la  cy,  n.  deceit,  iVaud 
Fam  i  ly,  n.  a  household,  race 


Fel  low  ship,  11.   intercourse, 

partnership,  connexion 
Fel  o  ny,  ?i.  a  capital  crime 
Fern  i  nine,  a.  female,delicate 
Fes  ti  val,  n.  a  feast,  a  day  ol" 

civil  or  religious  joy 
Flat  ter  y,  «•  false  praise 
Fret  ful  Jiess,  ti.  peevishness 
Friv  o  lous,  a.  slight,  tritling 
Fur  THcr  more,  ad.  besides, 

moreover 
Gen  er  al,  n.   one  that   com- 
mands an  army,  a  military 
officer 
Gen  er  ous,  a.  liberal,  noble 


(icn  tie  ness, 
tenderness 


meekness. 


SECTION  LIII. 

Filial  Affection  and  Intrcjyldity. 

Story  of  Volney  JScckncr,  who  was  devoured  by  a  Shark,  at 
the  age  of  twelve  years. 

The  child  who  is  here  commemorated,  had  not  the 
advantage  of  descending  from  a  wealthy  or  distinguish- 
ed family:  but  of  what  importance  is  birth  ?  Wiiat  are 
the  effects  of  riches  ?  They  often  corrupt  tlie  morals. 
He  who  is  worthy,  he  who  is  honest  and  wise,  has  no 
need  of  ancestors. 

Volney  Beckner  was  the  son  of  a  poor  Irish  sailor  : 
he  received  but  little  instruction,  except  wiiat  related  to 
his  father's  profession.  Yet,  destitute  as  lie  was  of  edu- 
cation, he  is  not  the  less  deserving  a  place  in  biography. 

The  Author  of  nature  had  enduetl  his  body  with  sin- 
gular address  and  agility,  and  his  mind  with  unusual  in- 
telligence and  penetration.  He  iiad  a  soul  of  no  com- 
mon temper  ;  and  from  his  earliest  years  he  discov/ired 
sentiments  of  valour,  which  would  doubtless  have  led 
him  to  great  enterprises,  had  he  not  been  extinguished 
in  minority. 

Soon  after  little  Volney  was  weaned,  his  father  taught 


THE  AiMERICAN  INSTRUCTER,  127 

liim  to  move  and  guide  himself  in  the  water.  He  be- 
came so  darinp;,  so  able,  and  so  vigorous,  that  from  his 
sixth  year,  he  would  follow  the  ship  in  which  he  bad 
been  brought  up,  swimming  for  a  considerable  distance; 
and  when  not  extremely  fatigued,  he  would  cling  dex- 
,terously  round  a  rope  that  was  thrown  out  to  him,  and 
climb  up  into  the  vessel. 

As  he  grew  older,  he  began  to  acquire  the  dexterity 
of  rendering  himself  useful  to  the  crew.  In  tempestu- 
ous weather,  when  the  wind  blew  with  violence,  and  the 
rain  fell  in  torrents,  he  was  not  one  of  the  last  in  climb- 
ing the  ropes  and  sail-yards.  And  when  he  was  at  the 
top  of  the  highest  mast,  even  in  the  fiercest  of  the  storm, 
he  appeared  as  little  agitated  as  a  passenger  stretched 
upon  his  hammock. 

Such  was  his  industry  and  improvement,  that  in  his 
twelfth  year  he  was  judged  worthy  of  a  higher  station, 
and  double  pay.  The  captain  of  the  ship  on  board  of 
which  he  served,  cited  him  as  a  model  to  the  other  boys. 
He  even  said  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  crew,  "  If 
this  httle  man  continues  to  conduct  himself  with  so  much 
prudence  and  valour,  I  have  no  doubt  of  his  obtaining 
a  place  much  above  that  which  I  occupy." 

Although  little  Volney  was  deprived  of  the  study  of 
letters,  which  cultivates  the  mind,  increases  our  know^ 
ledge,  and  extends  our  ideas,  yet  he  loved  virtue  by  in- 
stinct ;  and  made  great  efforts  for  the  acquisition  of  hon- 
our and  preferment.  From  several  instances  of  his  in- 
trepidity, which  he  manifested  in  many  dangerous  emer- 
gencies, the  following  is  selected  :  since  tliis  alone  is 
sufficient  to  confer  lasting  praise  on  the  memory  of  the 
young  sailor. 

It  happened  that  a  little  girl,  daughter  of  arich  Amer- 
ican, who  was  going  to  Port-au-Prince  in  France,  slip- 
ped away  from  her  nurse,  (who  was  ill,  and  taking  some 
repose  in  the  cabin,)  and  ran  upon  deck  :  and  whilst  her 
eyes  were  fixed  with  anxious  curiosity  on  the  immense 
expanse  of  water,  a  sudden  heaving  of  the  ship  caused 
a  giddiness,  and  she  fell  into  the  sea. 
^     The  father  of  Volney  perceiving  her,  darted  after 


128  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

her,  and  soon  caught  her  by  the  frock.  Whilst  he  swam 
with  one  hand  to  regain  the  vessel,  and  with  the  other 
held  the  child  close  to  his  breast,  he  perceived  at  a  dis- 
tance, a  shark  advancing  directly  towards  him. 

He  called  out  for  assistance.  The  danger  was  press- 
ing. Every  one  ran  upon  deck,  but  no  one  durst  go. 
farther  :  they  contented  themselves  with  firing  off  seve- 
ral carbines.  In  the  mean  time,  the  shark,  opening  his 
frightful  jaws,  seemed  eager  to  seize  his  prey.  In  this 
terrible  extremity  what  strong  men  would  not  venture 
to  attempt,  filial  piety  excited  a  child  to  execute. 

Little  Volney  armed  himself  with  a  broad  and  point- 
ed sabre,  threw  himself  into  the  sea,  and  plunging 
with  velocity,  he  slipped  under  the  animal,  and  bold- 
ly stabbed  him  with  iiis  sword.  Thus  suddenly  as- 
sailed and  deeply  wounded,  the  shark  quitted  pursuing 
the  sailor,  and  turned  doubly  exasperated  against  the 
aggressor,  who  attacked  him  with  repeated  blows. 

What  a  heart-rending  sight !  How  worthy  of  admira- 
tion !  To  behold  on  one  side,  the  American  trembling 
for  his  little  daughter,  who  seemed  devoted  to  destruc- 
tion ;  on  the  other,  a  generous  mariner  exposing  his 
life  for  a  child  that  was  not  his  own  ;  and  what  was 
more  dreadful,  to  see  young  Volney  contending  with 
an  enemy  so  greatly  superiour,  and  encountering  inev- 
itable death,  to  divert  it  from  his  father  ! 

But  the  combat  was  too  unequal,  and  no  refuge  re- 
mained but  a  speedy  retreat.  A  number  of  ropes  were 
quickly  thrown  out  to  the  father  and  son,  and  tiiey  each 
succeeded  in  seizing  one.  They  were  hastily  drawn 
up  ;  already  they  were  more  than  ten  feet  above  the 
surface  of  the  water  ;  already  cries  of  joy  were  heard  : 
•*  Here  they  are,  here  they  are,  they  are  saved  !" 

Alas  !  no — they  were  not  all  saved !  For  the  shark, 
enraged  at  seeing  his  prey  about  to  escape  from  him, 
plunged  to  make  a  vigorous  spring,  then  darting  for- 
ward with  impetuosity,  he  seized  the  Intrepid  and  un- 
fortunate youth,  and,  with  his  sharp  teeth,  tore  his  bo- 
dy asunder  while  suspended  in  the  air.  The  remaining 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  129 

part  of  his  palpitating  and  lifeless  body,  was  drawn  up 
to  the  ship  with  his  father  and  the  little  girl. 

Thus  died,  at  the  age  of  twelve  years  and  some 
months,  this  hopeful  young  sailor. — When  we  reflect 
on  the  generous  action  which  he  performed,  and  the 
motive  by  which  he  was  animated  to  the  enterprise,  we 
are  penetrated  with  sorrow  to  see  him  sink  under  it. 
Yet  the  memory  of  this  great  example  has  not  perished 
with  the  individual.  May  a  faithful  relation  of  it,  ani- 
mate, with  a  generous  zeal,  the  tender  minds  of  youth, 
and  produce  from  age  to  age,  the  repetition  of  actions 
not  less  praise-worthy. 

— QO©-- 

SECTION  LIV. 

Divitie  Providence. 

The  Providence  of  God  is  over  all  his  works ;  he 
rules  and  directs  with  infinite  wisdom.  He  has  institu- 
ted laws  for  the  government  of  the  world,  and  has  won- 
derfully adapted  them  to  the  nature  of  all  beings.  In 
the  depths  of  his  mind,  he  revolves  all  knowledge  ;  th« 
secrets  of  futurity  lie  open  before  him.  The  thoughts 
of  thy  heart  are  naked  to  his  view,  he  knows  thy  deter- 
minations before  they  are  made. 

Wonderful  he  is  in  all  his  ways  ;  his  counsels  are  un- 
searchable ;  the  manner  of  his  knowledge  surpasses  thy 
conception.  Pay  therefore  to  his  wisdom,  all  honour 
and  veneration,  and  bow  thyself  in  humble  and  submis- 
sive obedience  to  his  supreme  direction. 

The  Lord  is  gracious  and  beneficent  ;  he  created  the 
world  in  mercy  and  love.  His  goodness  is  conspicuous 
in  all  his  works  ;  he  is  the  fountain  of  excellence,  the 
centre  of  perfection.  The  creatures  of  his  hand  declare 
his  goodness,  and  all  their  enjoyments  speak  his  praise. 
He  clothes  them  with  beauty,  he  supports  them  with 
food,  and  preserves  them  from  generation  to  generation. 

If  we  lift  up  our  eyes  to  the  heavens,  his  glory  shines 
forth  ;  if  we  cast  them  down  upon  the  earth,  it  is  full 
of  his  goodness.  The  hills  and  the  vallies  rejoice  and 
sing ;  fields,  rivers  and  woods,  resound  his  praise. 


J  30  liiS    AS«^UiCAN    INSTHUCTER. 

But  thee,  O  man  !  lie  has  {listinguished  with  peculiar 
favour,  and  extiltod  ihy  station  above  all  ,ihe  creatures. 
He  has  endued  tliee  with  reason,  to  maintain  thy  domin- 
ion ;  lie  has  funnshed  tli,ee  with  language,  to  improve 
by  so'fciety  ;  and  exalted  thy  mind  with  the  powers  of 
meditation,  to  contemplate  and  adore  his  iiiimitable 
perfections- 

And  in  the  laws  which  he  hps  ordaiuod  as  the  rule  of 
thy  life,  he  has  so  kindly  suited  thyduty  to  tl|y  nature, 
that  obedience  to  his  precepts  is  happiness  to  thyself. 
O  praise  his  goodness  with  songs  of  thanksgiving,  and 
meditate  in  silence  on  the  wonders  of  his  love.  I^et  thy 
hear  overflow  with  gr;ititude  and  acknowledgements  ; 
let  the  language  of  thy  lips  be  praise  and  adoration  ; 
let  the  actions  of  thy  life  show  thy  love  to  his  law. 

The  Lord  is  just  and  righteous,  and  will  judge  the 
earth  with  equity  and  truth.  Has  he  established  his 
laws  in  goodness  and  mercy,  and  shall  ho  not  punish 
the  transgressors  of  them  ?  Thiidi  not,  bold  man,  be- 
cause thy  punishment  is  delated,  that  the  arm  of  ^he 
Lord  is  weakened ;  nor  flatter  thyself  with  hopes  that 
he  winks  at  thy  evil  doings. 

His  eye  pierces  into  the  secrets  of  every  heart,  and 
he  remembers  them  forever.  He  resperts  not  tiie  per- 
sons nor  the  stations  of  men  :  tii.c  higii  and  the  low,  the 
rich  and  the  poor,  the  wise  and  the  ignorant,  when  the 
soul  has  shaken  off  the  cumbrous  shackles  of  this  mor- 
tal life,  shall  equally  ret^eive  from  the  sentence  of  G'od 
a  just  and  everlasting  retribution  according  to  their 
works.  Tii^^iT  sh^ll  the  wickel  iremble  a\ul-be  afraid  ; 
i)ut  the  her  riglueous  shall  rtejoice  in  his  jud^«- 

inent.-;.  ..       '    •         '  '"        ''' 

O  fear  u  ' ..  '.  therefore,  all  thed'ays  of  thy'life, 
and  wrdk  in  liu-  paiiis  which  ^.eha^i  o'}'>ened  befm-ethec. 
Lot  prudence  admonish  thee,  let  temperance  restrain, 
let  justice  guide  thy  hand,  benevolence  warm  ihy  heart, 
and  gratittule  to  Ifir^rn  iii-pire  thee  with  devotion. 
^  These  shall  gi\  ucss  in  thy  present  ststte* 

And  bring  tliee  i«t  -i.    :.../■-.   ih  of  etei-M-l  felicity  in  tlie 
paradise  ofCorl. 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER 


131 


SECTION  LV. 

Words  of  three  syllables,  accented  on  the  first ;  Continued. 

2  ;  2 

Genu  ine, «. true,  not  spurious  ,  Ig  no  rant,  a.  without  kiiow- 


GAast  li  ness,  n.  horrour  of 
countenance,  palenes| 

Gran  ary^  n.  a  storelidjjse  to 
put  grain  in  [light 

Grat  i  fy,  v.  to   indulge,  de- 

Grat  i  tude,  71.  a  desire  to  re- 
turn benefits  ;  duty  to  ben- 


Icdge 

Ini  i  tate,  r.  to  copy,  to  en- 
deavour to  resemble 
Im  pi  mis,  a.  profane,  wicked 
Im  pie  meat,  n.  an  instrument 
Im  pli  cato,  r.  to  entangle, 
embarrass 


efactors  [gravel  i  Im  {)o  tent,  a.  weak,  feebl^e 

Gray  el  ly,  a.  abounding  with    Im  pu  dence,  n.  immodesty 
Gray  i  ty,  n.  weight,tendency 

to  the  centre  ;  serioi'.sness 
Grid  i  ron,  [grid  i  urn]   n.   a 


Im  })u  dent,  a.  shameless, bold 

In  (U  cate,  v.  to  point  out,  to 

show 

kind  of  grate  to  broil  meat  |  In  di  gencr,  tu  \\an\,  poverty 

upon  i  lif  di  geiit.  a    needy,  poor 

)Gu\\i  i  ness,  n.  the  state  of  be- 1  In  di  go,  n.  a  plant   used  for 


ing  guilty  [tent 

Hap  pi  ness,  v.  felicity,  con- 
Haz  ar  dous,  a.  dangerous 
Heav  i  ness,  n.  weight,  afflic- 
tion 
Hem  i  sphere,  n.  the  half  vS 

a  sphere  or  globe 
Her  e  sy,  ??.    a   fundamental 

errour  in  religion 
Her  i  tage,  n.  an  inheritance 
Hes  i  tate,  v.  to  pause,  doubt 


tlyliig  blue  [ness 

111  do  lonce,  .'?.  laziness,  idle- 
in  do  lent,  a.  lazy,  careless 
In  dds  tv-y,  V.  diligence 
In  fi  my ,/2,  disgrace, reproach 
In  fa  :-::rr. ;.  ,-/.  vile,  base   [life 
In  '•  ,     .  ihe  first  part  of 

In  i:    :  I:  \  ..■.  tlie  foot  soldiers 

of  aa  arm}' 
In  fcr  c-uce,  n.  conclusion  froui 

pie\  ious  ara:unicnts 


liniiit! 

1  ilu 


Hex  a  gon,  n.  a  figure  of  six  '  In  fi  del,  n.  an  unbeliever 

equal  sidesor  angles 
Hin  der  ance,  n.  impediment, 

stop,  obstruction  [facts 

His  tor  y,  n.  a  narration    of 
Hur  ri  cane,n.  a  violent  storm, 

a  tempest 
Hyp  0  crite,  n.  a  dissembler, 

a  deceitful  person 
Id  i  oni,  n.  a  particuJir  made 

of  speech 
Id  i  ot,  n.  a  fool       _     [ledge  i  I^  » 
Ig  no  ranee, 7i.  want  of  know- 1      pi 


In  ;. 

Lin  I 

a;' 

In  .; 

In'i, 


unbounded,  u>i- 

ndless 

-I,  Jij*.asGciU!ant  pow- 

'  \'-  h'a'.c  power  over 

/.'.  iuiscaief.  hurt 

er,  II.  ■  '■■     \  '."kcoiis 


Icuo.' 


^3,  })urc 
rhtinesi. 


Vo2 


THE  AMERICAN  IXSTRUCTER. 


In  so  lcnt,rt,  proju],  haughty 
In  stant  ly,  ad.  immedicitely 
In  sti  tutc,  t'.  to  establish 
In  strii  nicnt,  n.  a  tool  :  deed 

of  contract 
In  tel  Icct,  71.  the  power  of  un- 

derstanduig,  perception 
In  ter  co?/rso,  n.  communica- 
tion 
In  ter  est,  n.  money  paid  for 

use ;  concern,  share 
In  ter  liulc,  n.  a  farce  , 

In  ter  val,  n.  space,  distance 
In  ter  view,  n.  a  sight  of  each 

other,  a  conference 
In  ti  mate,  a.  familiar 
In  tri  cate,  a.  perplexed,  en- 
tangled [t^ite,  vex 
Ir  ri  tate,  v.  to  provoke,  agi- 
Jab  ber  ing,  n.  idle  talk 
Jeop  ar  dy,  n.  ha/.ard,  danger 
Jus  ti  fy,  V.   to   defend,  free, 

clear 
Kid  nap    per,    ?i.    one     who 

steals  human  beings  [vend 
Lac  er  ate,  [c  like  s]  v.  to  tear, 
Land  hold  er,  n.   one  who  is 

possessed  of  land 
Land  lady,  ii.  the  mistress  of 

land  or  an  inn 
Lar  ce  ny,  ?i.  theft,  petty  theft 
Lat   i  tude,  ??.   the  distance 

north    or    south   from   the 

equator  ;  breadtii 
Leg  a  cy,  n.  something  given 

by  will 
Leg  i  bl(^,  [g  soft]  a.  .such  as 

may  bi-  read 
Leg  is  late,  [gsoft]  v.  to  make; 

or  ]iass  laws 
Len  i  ty,  tt.  mildness,  nu  rcy 
Leth  ur   gv,    n-     sleepiness, 

drowsiness 


Lev  el  ness,  n.  evenness 
Lev  i  ty,  n.  lightness,  vanity 
Lib  er  al,  a.  generous,  free 
Lib  er  ate,  v,  to  set  free,  rcr 

lease 

Lib  er  ty,  n.  freedom,  leave, 

permission  [taste 

Lie  or  ice,  n.  a  root  of  sweet 

Lin  e  age,   n.  a  family,  race, 

progeny 
Lit  er  al,  a.  the  plain  primi- 
tive meaning 
Lit  tie  ness,   n.  want  of  dig- 
nity, smallness,  meanness 
Luc  ki  ly,  ad.  fortunately 
Lux  u  ry,  n.  delicious  fare  ; 
excess  in  eating,  dress,  or 
pleasure 
Mack  er  el,  n.  a  sea  fish 
Mag  ni  fy,  v.  to  praise,  extol 
Mag  is  trate,  fg  soft]   n.  one 
invested   with  publick  au- 
thority 
Mag  ni  tude,  72.  greatness 
JMaj  es  ty,  n.    dignity,    sove- 
reignty ;  a  regal  title 
Mai  a  dy,  7i.  a  disease 
Man  age  ment,    n.    conduct, 

govcrnmeHt 
Man  a  ger,  7i.  one  who  has 

the  direction  of  any  thing 
Man  ful  ly,  ad.  boldly,  nobly 
Man  i  fest,  v.  to  show  plain- 
ly ;  u.  pfain,  open  [nity 
Man  li  ness,  71.  I>r<\very  dig- 
Man  ner  ly,  ad.  well  behaved,. 

civil,  comi-laisant 
IMan  slau/f/t  ter,  ?i.  the  act  of 
killing  a  person  in  a   sud- 
den passion  [hand 
Man  u  al,  a.  performed  by  the 
Man  u  script,   n,    a  writtea 
book,  a  copy 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCfER. 


Mar  in  er,  n.  a  seaman,  sailor 
'  Mas  cu  line,  a.  male         [ery 
Mas  sa  ere,  n.  murder,  butch- 
.    Med  i  cine,  n.  any  remedy  ad- 
I      ministered  by  a  physician 
Med  i  tate,  v.  to  thinkf* con- 
template 
Mel  0  dy,n.  harmony,  musick 
Mem  o  ry,  n.   |he  power  of 
recollection^  remembrance 
Mer  ehan  dise,  n.  goods,wares 
Mer  ci  ful,  a.  compassionate 
Mer  ci  less,  a.  void  of  mercy, 
cruel  [planet 

Mer  cu  ry,  ni  quicksilver  ;  a 
Mer  ri  ly,  arf.' gaily, cheerfully 
Mer  ri  ment,  n,  mirth 
Mes  sen  ger,  n,  one  who  car- 
ries a  message 
Met  a  phor,  n.  a  change  from 

natural  to  figurative 
Meth  o  dise,  v.  to  regulate 
Mid  ship  man,  n.    an   officer 

on  board  a  ship 
Mil  lin  er,  n.  one  who  makes 
Or  sells  bonnets,  caps,  &c. 
for  women 
Mim  ick  ry,  n.  imitation,  bur- 

Min  er  ai,  n.  matter  dug  out 
of  mines  ;  a.  consisting  ol" 
foss'l  bodies 

Min  is  ter,  n.  an  agent,  an  of- 
ficer of  state  ';  a  clergyman 

Min  is  try,  n.  office,  service, 
agency 

Min  strel  scy,  n.  musick 

Miracle,?.',  some  act  or  event 
that  is  bf3yond  the  ordina- 
ry laws  of  nature 

Mis  er  y,  n.  wretchedness,  ca- 
lamity, raistbrtune        [sen 

Mit  i  gat«,  V.  to  alleviate,  les- 
12 


Mit  ti  mus,  n.  a  warrant  to 

commit  an  offender  to  prison 
Mul  ber  ry,n.  a  tree  and  its 
fruit  [numbec, 

Mul  ti  ply,  V.  to  increase  in 
Mul  ti  tude,n.  a  great  number 
Mur  der  er,  h.  one  who  kills 
unlawfully  [der 

Mur  der  ous,  a.  guilty  of  mur- 
Myr  i  ad,   n.  the  number  of 

ten  thousand 
Mys  te  ry,  n.  something  se- 
cret or  hidden,  wonder 
Nar  ra  tive,  n.  a  history 
Nat  u  ral,  [t  like  tsh]  a.  pro- 
duced by  nature,  easy 
Nav  i  gate,  v.  to  pilot  a  ship, 

to  sail,  manage 
Neg  a  tive,?i.  a  proposition  by 
which  something  is  denied 
Neg  li  gencc,  n.  carelessness 
Neg  li  gent,  a.  heedless 
NeTH  er  most,  a.  lowest 
Nim  ble  ness,  n.  quickness 
Num  her  less,  a.  innumerable 
Nour  ish  ment,  n.   food,  sus- 
tenance 
Nur  s^er  y,  n.  a  plantation  of 

3'oung  trees 
Pal  pa,  bio,  a.  gross,  plain 
Pal  }M  tate,  v.  to  beat  as  the 

lieart,  to  flutter 
[  Par  a  ble,  n.  a  similitude 
Par  a  dise,  n.  a  place  of  feli- 
j      city  :  the  garden  of  Eden 
Par  a  graph,  v,.  a  distinct  pjwt 

of  a  (l^scour:^c 
Par  al  let.  ?!.  a  line  which  is 
equally  distant  from  some 
other  line 
Par  a  phrase,  n.  an  interpio- 

ttilion  in  mj»iy  worrls 
Par  a  sol,  n.  a  small  i!:~ 


134 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


Pas  sa  ble,  a.  possible  to  be 

passed  ;  tolerable 
Pas  sen  ger,  n.  a  traveller 
Pas  sion   ate,    a.  moved  by 

passion 
Pas  sivc  ly,  ad.   submissive!}' 
Pass  o  ver, «.  a  Jewish  festival 
Pat   ron  age,   n.    protection, 

support 
Pat  rq  nisCjiJ.  to  protect,  sup- 
port, favour  [stone 
Peb  ble  stone,  m.  a  round  hard 
Pec  u  late,  v.  to  rob  or  de- 
fraud the  publick 
Ped  a  gogue,  n.  a  school-mas- 
ter, pedant  [age 
Ped  i  gree,  n.  genealogy,  line- 
Pel  i  can,  n.  a  kind  of  bird 
Pen  al  ty,  n.  punishment,  for- 
feiture 
Pen  e  trate,  v.  to  pierce 
Pen  i  tence,  n.  repentance 
Pen  i  tent,  n.  one  sorrowful 
for  sin  ;  a.  contrite,  repen- 
tant 
Pen  sion  er,  n.  one  who  re- 
ceives a  pension 
Pen  te  cost,  n.  a  feast  among 
the  Jews                    [gcncc 
Pen  u  ry,   n.  poverty,   indi- 
Pep  ^er  box,  n.  a  box  used 

for  holding  pepper 
Pep  per  mint,  n.  a   very  hot 

kind  of  mint 
Per  il  ous,  a.  dangerous 
Per  ju  ry,  n.  a  false  oath 
Per  ma  ncnt,  a.  durable 
Per  se  cute,  v.   to    oppress, 

vex,  trouble 
Pes  ti  Icnce,  n.  a   contagious 

(distemper,  plague 
Phys  i  cal,  a.  relating  to   na- 
ture ;  medicinal 


Pil  fer  er  n.  one  who  steal? 

petty  tilings 
Pil  lor  y,  n.  an  instrument  or 

place  of  punishment 
Pil  low  case,  n.  the  cover  of 

a  pillow 
Pit  i  ful, a.  tender,melancholy 
Pleas  ant  ness,  n.  delightfnl- 
ness  [tion 

Plen  i  tude,  n.  fulness,  reple- 
Plen  ti  ful,  a.  abundant 
Plan  der  er,    n.  a    robber,,  a 
hostile  pillager  [tion 

Prac  ti  cal,  a.  relating  to  ac- 
Pref  er  encc,    n.  estimation 

above  another 
Prej   u  dice,  n.   injury ;  pre- 
possession 
Pres  cnt  ly,  ad.  shortly,  soon 
Pres  i  dent,  n.  one  at  the  head 
of  others  ;  the  first  magis- 
trate of  the  United  Stales 
Prev  a  lent,  a.  victorious,  pre- 
dominant 
Prim  i  tivc,a.  ancient, original 
Prin  ci  pal,  a.  chief,  capital  ; 
n.  capital  sum  ;  a  head  or 
chief  man 
Prin  ci  pie,  n.  element,  ori- 
ginal cause,  rule 
Pris  on  er,  n.  a  captive,  one 
under  arrest  [vantage 

Priv  i  lege,  n,  a  peculiar  ad- 
Pub  lick  ly,  ad.  openly 
J'ul  vcr  ISO,  V.  to  reduce    to 

powder  or  dust 
Puiic  tu  al,  [t  like  tsli]  a.  ex- 
act, nice 
Pun  isli  ment,  n.  an}  thing  in- 
flicted for  a  crime 
Pur  chas  cr,  n.  a  buyer 
Quick  sil  ver,  n.  a  lluid  niin- 
nral,  mercury    ^ 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


135 


Rad  i  cal,    a.  primitive,  ori- 
ginal 
Han  cor  ous,  a.  malignant 
Rap  id  ly,  ad.  swiftly 
Rap  tur  ous,  [t  like  tsh]  a.  do- 

ligbtful,  transporting 
Rar  «  fy,  i\  to  make  thin 
Rar  i  ty,  n.  uncommonness 
Rasp  ber  ry,  n.  a  kind  of  fruit 
Rat  i  fy,  v.  to  confirm,  settle 
Rat  lie  snake,   n.    a  kind  of 
serpent  [hungry 

Rav  en  ous,  a.  voracious,  very 
Read  i  ness,  n.  being  ready, 

willingness 
Rec  kon  ing,  n.  a  computa- 
tion, an  estimation 
Rec  om  pense,  v.  to  repay,  re- 
quite ;  n.  a  compensation 
Rec  on  cile,  v.  to  compose 
differences  {correct 

Rec  ti  fy,  V.  to  make  right, 
Rec  ti  tude,  n.  uprightness 
Ref  er  enc€,  n.    allusion    to, 

the  act  of  referring 
Reg  i  ment,  [g  soft]  n.  a  body 

of  soldiers 
Reg  is  ter,  [g  soft]  w.  a  re- 
cord, list ;  V.  to  record 
Reg  u  lar,  a.  agreeable  to  rule 
Reg  u  late,   v.    to  adjust  by 

rule,  direct 
Rel  a  tive,  n.  a  relation  ;  a. 

respecting 
Rem  e  dy,n.  a  medicine,cure; 
V.  to  cure,  lieal  [store 

Ren  o  vate,  i;.  to  renew,  re- 
Rep  ro  bate,  n.  a  wretch  aban- 
doned to  wickedness.;  v.  to 
condemn,  disallow 
Req  ui  5ite,  a.  necessary 
Res  i  dence,  n,  place  of  abode 
Res  j  due,  n.  that  which  Is  left 


Re5  o  lute,  a.  determined,firm 
Ret  i  nuc,  n.  a  train  of  atten- 

dants 
Rev  e  nue,  n.  an  income 
Rev  er  ence,  n.   veneration, 
respect ;  t>.  lo  regard  with 
respect 
Rev  er  end,  a.  deserving  re- 
verence ;  the  honorary  ti- 
tle of  the  clergy 
R/;et  o  rick,  n.  oratory,  the 

art  of  speaking 
Rid  i  cule,  v.   to  expose  to 
laughter  ;  n.  laughter  with 
contempt 
Rig  id  ness,  [g  soft]  n.  sever 

ity,  strictness 
Rig  or  ous,  a.  severe,  harsh 
Riv  u  let,  n.  a  small  river 
Sal  a  ry,  n.  stated  hire 
Sane  ti  fy,  v.  to   purify,   te 

make  holy 
Sane  ti  ty,  n.  holiness,  piety 
Sat  el  lite,  n.  a"  small  planet 

revolving  round  a  larger 
Sat  is  fy,  V.  to  content,  recom- 
pense, convince  (defame 
Scan  da  laze,  v.  to  disgrace, 
Scrip  tu  ral,  [tlike  tsh]  a.  con- 
tained in  the  Bible,  divine 
Scan  da  lous,  a.  disgraceful 
Sec  ond  ly,  ad.  in  the  second 

place 
Sec  u  lar,  a.  worldly  [senate 
Sen  a  tor,  n.  a  member  of  the 
Sen  si  ble,  a.  wise,  judicious 
Sen  ti  meat,  a.  thought,  opin- 
ion [guard 
Sen  ti  nel,  n.  a  s<^ldier  oa 
Sep  a  rate,  v.  to  divide,  part 
Sep  ul  cAre,  n.  a  grave,  tomb 
Ser  a  phim,  n.  one  of  the  or- 
ders of  angek 


136  THE  AMERICAN  LNSTRUCTER. 

SECTION  LVI. 

3Iodes(i/. 

Modesty  is  one  of  the  chief  ornaments  of  youth,* 
and  has  ever  been  esteemed  a  pi'esage  of  rising  merit  : 
it  covers  a  niuhltude  of  faults,  and  doubles  the  lustre  of, 
every  virtue  which  it  seems  to  hide  :  the  perfections  of 
men  being  like  those  flowers  which  appear  more  beau-; 
tiful,  when  their  leaves  are  a  little  contracted  and  fold- 
ed up,  than  when  they  are  full  .blown,  and  display  them- 
selves without  any  reserve  to  the  view. 

Modesty  is  a  polite  accomplishment,  and  generally 
an  attendant  upon  merit.  It  is  ei^gaging  to  the  high- 
est degree,  and  wins  the  hearts  of  all  our  acquaintance. 
On  the  other  hand,  none  are  more  disgusting  in  Com- 
pany, than  the  impudent  and  presuming. 

The  man  who  commends  and  speaks  well  of  himself 
ott  all  occasions,  we  generally  dislike.  On  the  contra- 
ry, he  who  studies  to  conceal  his  own  deserts,  who  does 
justice  to  the  merit  of  others,  who  talks  but  little  ot 
himself,  and  that  with  modesty,  makes  a  favourable  im- 
pression on  the  persons  he  is  conversing  with,  capti- 
vates their  minds,  and  gains  their  esteem. 

Modesty,  however,  widely  differs  from  an  awk\t^ard 
bashfulness,  which  is  as  much  to  be  condemned  as  the 
other  is  to  be  applauded.  When  an  awkward  bashful 
fellow  comes  into  company,  he  is  exceedingly  disc(Jn- 
certed  :  he  knows  not  what  position  to  place  liimself  in  ; 
his  bands  are  very  troublesome  to  him,  which  he  keeps 
continually  in  motion  :  if  spoken  to,  he  is  in  a  much 
worse  situation  ;  and  therefore  answers  with  the  utmost 
difficulty  :  whereas  a  gentleman  who  is  acquainted  witii 
Hfe,  enters  a  room  with  gracefulness,  and  with  a  modest 
assurance  addresses  the  company  in  an  easy  and  natU" 
ral  maimer,  and  without  the  least  embarrassment. 

This  is  the  characteristick  of  good  breeding,  and  a 
very  necessary  knowledge  in  our  intercourse  with  men : 
fi>T  one  of  inferiour  talents,  with  the  behaviour  of  a  gen- 
tleman, is  frequently  better  received  than  a  man  of  sen^e, 
iWth  the  address  and  manners  of  a  clown. 

Some  persons,  from  experiencing  false  modesty,  have 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTPvUCTER.  137 

run  into  the  other  extreme,  and  acquired  the  character 
of  impudence  ;  which  is  as  great  a  fault  as  the  other. 
But  the  well-bred  man  is  easy  and  firm  in  every  com- 
pany ;  he  is  modest,  but  not  bashful  ;  steady,  but  not 
impudent.  He  copies  the  manners  of  the  better  people, 
and  conforms  to  their  customs  with  ease  and  attention. 

Modesty  is  both  in  its  source,  and  in  its  consequence, 
a  very  great  happiness  to  the  fair  possessor  of  it ;  it  ari- 
ses from  a  fear  of  dishonour,  and  a  good  conscience  ; 
and  is  followed  immediately,  upon  its  first  appearance, 
with  the  reward  of  honour  and  esteem,  paid  by  all  those 
who  discover  it  in  any  person  living. 

It  has  been  celebrated,  especial^  in  females,  by  the 
good  and  worthy  of  all  ages  and  nations.  But  we  need 
not  recur  to  the  testimony  of  ancient  times,  our  own 
reason  teaches  us  its  importance,  and  our  own  observa- 
tion aflbrds  nuxnerous  examples  of  the  happiness  it  affords. 

Modesty  and  propriety  of  behaviour,  contribute  so 
largely  to  the  happiness  of  young  Ladies,  that  their  im- 
^portance  cannot  be  too  strongly  inculcated.  They  are 
admired  or  despised  more  on  account  of  their  hchctviour, 
than  beauty.  The  charms  of  the  latter  arc  of  sliort  du- 
ration, but  the  charms  inspired  by  a  modest  and  easy 
behaviour  are  never  forgotten. 

The  flower  blossoms  in  the  spring,  and  Is  siipt  by  the 
first  frost  :  so  beauty,  at  first  sighi,  strikes  the  eye 
agreeably  ;  but  no  sooner  do  ill  passions  discover  them- 
selves in  the  mind  of  the  possessor,  than  she,  who  be- 
fore appeared  beautiful,  seems  ugly  and  deformed. 

"  Beauiy  in  vain  her  pretty  eyes  in;iy  ro!!. 

"  Charms  strike  the  sight,  hut  nieiil  « ins  i\:c  soul.'' 

SECTION  LVII. 

The  'pleasures  resulting  from  a  proper  use  of  our 
faculties. 
Happy  is  that  man,  who,  unembarrassed  by  vulgar 
cares,  is  master  of  himselfy  liis  time,  and  fortmie  ;  who 
spends  his  time  in  making  himself  wiser,  and  his  for- 
tune in  making  others  (and  therefore  himself)  happier  ; 
who,  as  the  will  and  understanding  are  the  two  en- 

I  O-ti 


138 


THE   AM^ICAN    LXSTRUCTER. 


nobling  faculties  of  the  soul,  thinks  himself  not  com- 
plete, till  his  untlerstanding  is  beautified  with  the  valu- 
able furniture  of  knowledj^e,  as  well  as  his  will  enriched 
with  every  virtue  ;  who  has  furnished  himself  with  all 
the  advantages  to  relish  solitude  and  enliven  conversa- 
tion ;  who,  when  serious,  is  not  sullen  ;  and  when  cheer- 
ftil,  not  indiscreetly  gay  ;  whose  ambition  is,  not  to  be 
admired  for  a  false  glare  of  greatness,  but  to  be  belov- 
ed for  the  gentle  and  sober  lustre  of  his  wisdom  and 
goodness. 

The  greatest  minister  of  state  has  not  more  business 
to  do,  in  a  publick  capacity,  than  he,  and  indeed  every 
other  man  may  find-in  the  retired  and  still  scenes  of  life. 
Even  in  his  private  walks,  every  thing  that  is  visible 
convinces  him  there  is  present  a  Being  invisible.  Aid- 
ed by  natural  philosophy,  he  reads  plain  legible  traces 
of  the  Divinity  in  every  thing  he  meets  ;  he  sees  the 
Deity  in  every  tree,  as  well  as  Moses  did  in  the  burn- 
ing bush,  though  not  in  so  glaring  a  manner  :  and  when 
he  sees  him,  he  adores  him  with  the  tribute  of  a  grate- 
ful heart.- 

-»•$•«<- 
SECTION  LVIII. 
Words  of  three  syllables,  accented  on  the  first ;  Continued. 
2 


Set  tie  ment,  n.  a  place  in- 
habited ;  act  of  settling 
Sev  en  teen,  a.  seven  and  ten 
Sev  en  ty,  a.  seven  times  ten 
Sig  na  tare,  n.  a  mark,  a  name 
".  signed 

Sig  ni  fy,  v.  to  mean,  express 
Sil    ver  smith,  w.    one    who 

works  in  silver 
Sim  i  lar,  a.  like,  resembling 
Sim  pli  fy,  v.  to  make   loss 

complex 
Sin  ful  ness,  n.  wickedness 
Sin  gu  lar,  a.  odd,  rare,  par- 
■l^  ticular ;  only  one 


Skil  fill  ly^  ad.  with  skill 
Skil    ful    ness,    n.   dexterity, 

ability 
Slan  der  tM-,  n.  cue  who  belies 

another 
Slan  der  ous,  a.  uttering  re 

proachful  falsehoods 
Slip  per  y,  a.  smooth,  glib 
Spec  i  men,  [c  like  s]  ?i.  an 
example,  a  sample  [ly 

Splen  did  ly,  ad.  niagnificent- 
Stip  u  late,  v.  to  contract,  bar- 
gain 
Strat  a  gem,  n.  artifice,  trick 
Stub  born  ness,  n.  obstinacy 


THE   AMERICAN    LVSTRUCTER. 


139, 


Sub  se  quent,  a.  following  in 
due  order 

Sub  sti  tute,  n.  one  acting  in 
the  place  of  another 

Sud  den  ly,  ad.  in  an  unex- 
pected manner 

Suf  fer  er,  n.  one  who  en- 
dures or  suffers 

Suf  fer  ing,  n.  pain  suffered, 
distress 

Suf  fo  cate,  v.  to  choke,  stifle 

Sunip  tu  ous,  [t  like  tsh]  a. 
costly,  expensive,  splendid 

Sup  pli  cate,  v.  to  implore, 
entreat 

Sus  te  nance,  n.  food,  main- 
tenance 

Syllable,rt.as  much  of  a  word 
as  is  uttered  by  one  articu- 
lation 

Sym  pa  thize,  v,  to  feel  with 
or  for  another 

Tax  a  ble,  a.  that  which  may 
be  taxed 

Tel  e  scope,  n.  a  glass  by 
which  distant  objects  are 
viewed 

Tern  per  ancc,  n.  moderate 
indulgence  of  appetites  or 
passions 

Tem  per  ate,  a.  moderate 

Ten  der  ly,  ad.  mildly,  gently 

Ten  der  ness,  n.  softness ; 
kindness  [ful 

Ter  ri  ble,  a.  dreadful,  fright- 

Ter  ri  fy,  v.  to  fright,  make 
afraid 

Tes  ta  ment,  n.  a  will  i,  the 
name  of  the  holy  scripture 

Tes  ti  fy,r.  to  witness,  certify 

Tim  or  ous,  a.  fearful 

Trag  e  dy,  [g  soft]  n.  a  serious 
draoia  ;  a  mournful  event 


Trav  el  ler,  n.  one  who  goe« 

a  journey 
Treach  er  ous,  a.   faithless, 

perfidious 
Treach  er  y,  11.  deceit,  fraud 
Tre«s  u  ry,  [s  like  zh]  n.  a 
place   in  which   money  is 
kept 
Trea*  u  rer,  fs  like  zh]  n.  one 
who  has  the  care  of  pub- 
lick  money 
Tur  bu  lent,  a.  violent,  tu- 
multuous [fusion 
Tur  bu  lence,  n,  tumult,  con- 
Tur  pen  tine,  n,  a  gum  from 

the  pine 
Tyr  an  ny,  n.  cruel  govern- 
ment, severity 
Vag  a  bond,  n.  a  vagrant,  a 

wanderer 
Van  i  ty,  n.  arrogance,  pride, 

emptiness 
Ven  om  ous,  a.  poisonous 
Ver  i  ly,  ad.  tnily,  certainly 
Vic  tor  y^  n.  conquest,triumph 
Viu  di  cate,  v.  to  justify,  re- 
venge [plain 
Vis  i  ble,  a.  apparent,  open, 
Wick  ed  ness,  n.  vice,  guilt 
Wid  MO  er,  n.  a  man  whose 

wife  is  dead 
Wil  der  ness,  n.  a  desert 
VVil  ful  ly,  ad.  obstinately 
Wil   ful  ness,    n.    obstinacy, 

stubbornness 
IFrefch  ed  ness,  n.    misery, 

unhappiness 
3 

Al  der  raan,  n.  a  magistrate 
Al  ma  nack,  li.  a  calendar 
Au  di  ence,  n.  hearers,  audlt'< 

ory,  interview 
Au  thor.  izcj  -o,  to  erapowe?.*  ; 


140 


i'HE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


For  mal  ist,  n.  one  who  is  at- 
tached to  forms 
For  mer  ly,  ad.  in  time  past 
For  ti  fy,  V.  to  strengthen,  to 

secure 
Forti  tude,n.courage,strength 
For  tu  uate,  [t  like  tsh]  a.  luc- 
ky, successful 
Gau  di  ness,  n.  showiuess,  fi- 
nery 
Hau^/i  ti  ness,  n.  pride,  arro- 
gance 
Horse  man  ship,n.  art  of  riding 
Lau  da  ble,  a.  commendable, 

praiseworthy 
Law  ful  ly,  ad.  in  a  lawful 

manner 
Law  ful  ness,  n.  legality 
Mor  bid  ness,  n.   a  diseased 

state 
Mor  tal  ly,  ad.  deadly,  fatally, 
irrecoverably  [vex 

Mor  ti  fy,  v.  to  corrupt  5  to 
Or  di  nance,  n.  law,  rule 
Or  gan  izc,   v.   to   construct, 

to  form 
Or   na  mont,   ??.    decoration, 

embellishment 
Or  tho  dox,  a.  sound  in  opin- 
ion or  doctrine 
Plau  si  blc,   a.    superficially 
pleasing,  fair  [hog 

Por  cu  pine,«.  a  kind  of  hedge- 
Sau  ci  ness,7J.  impudence,  im- 
pertinence 
Scorn  ful  ly,  ad.  insolently 
Sor  cer  y,  n.  magick,  enchant- 

Tnent 
Straw  berry,  n.  a  kind  of  fruit 
.» 

At  bi  tratc,  v.  to  decide 
Ar  c/k;  type,  n.  the  original 
Aj-  d.. .01'}-,  [d  like j j  a.  difficult 


Ar  gu  ment,  n.  debate,  subject 

of  discourse 
Ar  se  ual,  n.  a  repository  for 

arms,  a  magazine 
Ar  ti  ficc,  n.  stratagem,  trick 
Bar  ba  rous,  a.  inhuman,  cruel 
Car  pen  ter,  n.  an  artificer  in 

wood,  a  builder 
Car  tridge  box,  7i.  a  box   to 
contain  cartridges        [ther 
Fa  THer  less,  a.  without  a  fa- 
Gar  den  er,  n.  one  who  cvil- 

tivate*  gardens 

Girar  di  an,  ?i.   one  who  has 

the  c?ire  of  anotlier  person 

Harm  lo§s  Iv,  ad.  innocently 

Har  n-.o  ny,  ?j.  agreement,  just 

proportion  of  sound 
Harp  si  cAord,    n.  a  musical 

instrument 
Hcnr  ti  ly,  ad.  sincerely 
L:u/gh  a  bio,  a.  exciting  laugh- 
ter, droll 
Mar  tin    gal,   n,   a   leathern 
strap  used  to  curb  a  horse 
Mar  tyr  dom,  n.  the  death  of 

a  martyr 
Mar  vol  lous,  a.  wonderful 
Par  lia  menf,  n.  the  chief  as- 
sembly of  England 
Par  tial  ly,  ad.  with  unjust 

favour 
Par  ti  clo,  n.  any  small  por- 
tion of  a  greater  substance 
Part  ner  ship,/?,  union  in  trade, 

joint  interest 
Phar  ma  cy,  n.  the  act  of  pre- 
paring n)ediciacs 
5 
Bot  a  ny,  n.  the  knowledge  or 

descrij)tion  of  plants 
Bot  tom  lessjrt.  without  bottom 
Cog  ni  zauce,n.  judicial  nojjr a 


THE   AMERlCAiV    INSTRUC-TER. 


141 


Com  e  dy,n.a  dramatick  piece 
Com  mon  ly,  ad.  frequently 
Com  pe  tent,  a.  qualified,  fit 
Con  fer  ence,  n.  discourse  ; 
meeting  for  religious  con- 
verse [ance 
Con  fi  dence,  n.  trust,  assur- 
Con  fi  dent,  a.  positive,  bold 
Con  se  crate,  v.  to  dedicate 
Con  se  quencc,  n.  an  effect, 

importance 
Con  Stan  cy,  n.  firmness 
Con  stant  ly,  ad.  steadily 
Con  sti  tute,   v.  to  produce, 

appoint,  to  make 
Con  ti  nent,  n.  land  not  sep- 
arated by  seas  [verse 
Con  tra  ry,  a.   opposite,  ad- 
Doc  u  inent,  n.  an  instruction, 
direction,  precept       [lows 
Fol  loa"  er,  n.    one  who  fol- 
For  eign  er,  n.  one  of  another 
country,  an  alien      [round 
Glob  u  lar,  a.    like  a  globe, 
GIos  si  ness,  n.  smooth  polish 
Hoi  ly  hock,  n.  a  plant,  the 
rose  mallow             [a  feast 
Hoi  y  day,  n.  an  anniversary, 
Hon   est  ly,    ad.  uprightly, 

justly 
Hon  es  ty,  n.  justice,  truth 
Hor  ri  ble,a.  dreadful,terrible 
Jol  li  ty,  n.  merriment 
Lof  ti  ness,  n.  height ;  haugh- 
tiness 
Lon  gi  tude,  n.   length  ;  the 
distance  of  any  part  of  the 
earth    either  east  or  west 
from  any  given  place 
Lot  ter  y,  n.  a  game  of  chance 
Mocker  y,n.  derision,ridicule 
Mod  er  ate,    a.   temperate, 
mild  i  V.  to.  regulate 


Mod  est  ly,  ad.  with  modesty 
Mod  es  ty,  n.decency,cl>astity 
Mod  i  fy,  V.   to    change  the 

form,  to  shape,  soften 
Mon  ar  c/jy,  7i.  a  kingly  gov- 
ernment ;  a  kingdom 
Mon  i  tor,  n.  one  who  warns 
of  faults,  or  infornis  of  duty 
Mon  u  ment,  n.  a  memorial^ 

tomb,  pillar,  statue 
Mor  al  ist,  n.  one  who  teach- 
es morality  [not  real 
Nom  i  nal,  a.  only  in  name, 
Nom  i  nate,  v.  to  name,  pro- 
pose [els 
Nov  el  ist,  71.  a  writer  of  nov- 
Ob  li  gate,  v.  to  bind,  compel 
Ob  so  lete,  a.  disused,  grown 
out  of  u§e             [structioa 
Ob  sta  cle,  n.  hinderance,  ob- 
Ob  sti  natG,  a.  stubborn,  firm 
Ob  vi  ous,  a.  easily  discover- 
ed, open,  plain 
Oc  cu  pant,  n.  one  who  holds 

or  takes  possession 
Oc  cu  py,  V.  to  possess,  hold 
Of  fer  ing,  n.  a  sacrifice 
Of  fi  cer,  n.  a  man  in  office, 

a  commander 
Op  er  ate,  v.  to  act,  perform 
Op  po  she,  a.  contrary  ;  pla- 
ced in  front 
Op  u  lent,  a.  rich,  wealthy 
Or  a  tor,n.aman  of  eloquence, 

a  publick  speaker 
Or  i,  gin,  n.  beginning,  rise 
Or  i  fice,  n.  an  opening,  per- 
foration 
Pol  i  cy,  n.  the  art  of  govern- 
ment, prudence 
Pol  i  ticks,  n.  the  science  or 
art  of  government  [people 
Pop  ulace^n.   the  commota 


142. 


THE  AMERICAN   I.NSTRUCTER. 


Pop  u  lar,  a.  pleasing  to  the 
people  [people 

Pop  u  late,  V.   to  increase  in 
Pop  u  lous,  a.  full  of  people 
Pos  i  tive,  a.    absolute,  real, 

certain 
Pos  si  ble,  a.  having  the  pow- 
er to  be  or  do 
Pov  er  ty,  n.  want,  necessity 
Prob  a  ble,  a.  likely  [ness 
Prob  i  ty,n.  honesty,  upright- 
Prod  i  gal,  ?i.   a  spendthrift  ; 

a.  profuse,  wasteful 
Prof  li  gate,  a.  wicked,  aban- 
doned 
Prog  e  ny,[g  soft]  «.  oflspring, 

issue,  race 
Prom  i  nent,   a.  jutting   or 

standing  out 
Prop  a  gate,  v.  to  spread,  in- 
crease, promote 
Prop  er  ly,  ad.  fitly,  suitably 
Prop  er  ty,  n.  an  estate,  pos- 
session ;  quality 
Proph  e  cy,  n.  a  prediction 
Proph  c  sy,r.  to  predict,  fore- 
tell, foreshow 
Proph   et   ess,   n.   a   female 
prophet  [sue 

Pros  e  cute,  v.  to  pursue  ;  to 
Pros  e  lyte,  n.  one  converted 

to  a  new  opinion 
Pros  o  dy,  n.  the  art  of  met- 
rical composition 
pros  per  ous,  a.  successful 
Prot  OS  tant,  n.  one  who  pro- 
tests against  popery 
Prov  en  der,  n.  food  for  brutes 
Prov  i  dence,  n.   the  care  of 
God   over  created  beings, 
divine  superintendence 
Quad  ru  ped,  n.  a  four-foote  1 
animai 


Qu^d  ru  pie,  a.  fourfold 
Qual  i  fy,  v.  to  niake  fit 
Qual  i  ty,  n.  nature  relatively 

considered,  property,  rank 
Quan  ti  ty,  7i.  bulk,  weight,  a 

part  [quarrel 

Quar  rel  some,  a.  inclined  to 
Sc/fol  ar  ship,  n.  learning 
Shop  keep  er,  n.  a  trader  who 

sells  in  a  shop  [manner 
Sol  em 71  ly,  ad.  in  a  solemn 
Sol  i  tude,   n.  lonely  life,  a 

lone  place,  a  desert 
Sol  ven  c}',  n.  ability  to  pay 
Soph  is  try,   n.  a  fallacious 

reasoning 
Sor  row  ful,  a.  mournful,  sad 
Tol  or  ate,  v.  to  allow,  permit 
irrong  ful  ly,  ad.  unjustly    ^ 

6 

Fool  er  y,  n.   folly,  habitual 

folly 
Fool  ish  ness,  n.  destitute  of 

understanding  ;  folly  [ly 
Gloom  i  ly,  ad.  dismally,  dim- 
Gloom  i  ness,  ».  obscurity  * 
Goose  ber  ry,  tj.  the  name  of 

a  bush  and  its  fruit 
Move  a  ble,  a.  capable  of  be- 
ing mov(.Hl  [ture 
Move  a  ble.^,  ?j.  goods,  furni- 
Sc/iool  fci  \oiv,  n.  one  bred  at 

the  same  school  \^ 

ScAuol  mas  lor,  n.  a  man  who 

te<ulH?s  a  school 
ScAool  mis  tress,  n.  a  woman 

who  teaclu'S  a  school 
Shoe   mi    lc<'r,    n.    one    who 

makes  shoes 
« 
Come  li  ness,  7i.  grace,  beauty 
Com  fort  er,  n.  one  who  rom- 

forb 


THE,   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


143 


Com  fort  less,  a.  without 
comfort 

Com  pa  ny,  n.  an  assembly  of 
persons  ;  joint  partners 

Con  jur  er,  n.  a  fortune  teller 

Gov  ern  ment,  ii.  an  establish- 
ment of  legal  aiithoiit}'  ; 
administration  of  publick 
affairs 

Gov  er  nour,  n.  a  chief  execu- 
tive magistrate,  commander 

Love  li  ness,  n.  amiableness 

Thor  ough  ly,  ad.  complete- 
ly, fully  [ishing 

Won  der  ful,  a.  strange,  aston- 

e 

l^eigh  bour  hood,  n.  place  ad- 
joining [kind 

Heigh  bour  ly,  ad.  friendly, 
ot 

Bois  ter  ous,a.  stormy,  violent 

Poi  son  ous,  a.  venomous,  de- 
structive 


oy 

Joy  ful  ly,  ad.  with  joy,  gladly 

Joy  ful  ness,  n.  gladness,  great 

joy  [sion 

Loy  al  ty,  n.  fidelity,  submis- 

Boun  da  ry,  n.  limit,  mark 

Boun'  ti  ful,  a.  liberal,  gene- 
rous, kind  -' 

Coun  sel  lor,  n.  one  that  gives 
advice 

Coun  te  nance,  n.  the  form  of 
the  face,  look  ;  support 

Coun  ter  feit,  a.  forged,  ficti- 
tious ;  V.  to  forge,  imitate 

House  keep  er,  n.  one  who  has 
the  care  of  a  family     [ular 

Moun  tain  ous,  a.  hilly,  irreg-« 
ow 

Cow  ard  ly,  a.  fearful,  mean 

Low  er  y,  a.  cloudy,  dark, 
obscure  [strong 

Pow  er  ful,  a.  mighty,  potent, 

Show  er  y,  a.  rainy,  wet. 


SECTION  LIX. 

Select  Sentences. 

Envy  is  fixed  only  on  merit ;  and  like  a  sore  eye,  is 
offended  with  every  thing  that  is  bright. 

The  envious  man  endeavours  to  depreciate  those  who 
excel  him ;  he  puts  an  evil  construction  on  all  their  do- 
ings ;  he  lies  in  wait,  and  meditates  mischief :  but  the 
detestation  of  man  pursues  him  ;  he  is  crushed  as  a 
spider  in  his  own  web. 

Harmony  of  temper,  begets  and  preserves  friendship  ; 
but  disagreeable  inclinations  are  like  improper  notes  in 
musick,  whirl)  serve  only  to  spoil  the  concert  and  of- 
fend the  ear. 

Modesty,  in  your  discourse,  will  give  a  lustre  to  truth, 
and  an  excuse  to  your  crrours.  Complaisance  renders 
a  superiour  amiable,  an  equal  agreeable,  and  an  infe- 
riour  acceptable. 


144  THE   AMERICAN    I^3TRUCTER^ 

We  should  never  be  proud  or  vain  of  the  advantages 
we  possess  ;  but  Immbly  endeavour  to  use  them  for  the 
benefit  of  our  fellow  creatures,  and  to  the  glory  of  that 
Being  from  whom  we  have  received  them.  , 

How  pleasant  it  is  when  wc  lie  down  at  nighf,  to  re- 
flect that  we  are  at  peace  with  all  persons  !  that  we  have 
carefully  performed  the  duties  of  the  day,  and  that  the 
Almiglity  beholds  and  loves  us  ! 

Happiness  consists  not  in  sovereignty  or  power,  nor  in 
great  riches  ;  but  in  a  right  composure  of  our  affections, 
and  in  directing  all  our  actions  accordingto  right  reasoft. 

Discontent  is  the  greatest  weakness  of  a  generous 
soul  ;  for  many  times  it  is  so  intent  upon  its  unhappi- 
ness,  that  it  forgets  its  remedies. 

There  is  but  one  way  of  fortifying  the  soul  against  all 
gloomy  presages  and  terroiirs  of  mind  ;  and  that  is,  by 
securing  to  ourselves  the  friendship  and  protection  of 
that  Being,  who  disposes  of  events  and  governs  futurity. 

We  might  enjoy  much  peace,  if  we  did  not  busy  our 
minds  with  what  others  do  and  say,  in  which  we  have 
no  concern. 

Never  suppose  yourself  the  person  pointed  at  in  any 
general  observation,  as  it  is  a  maxim  of  true  politeness 
to  exempt  the  present  company  from  any  personal  re- 
flection. 

He  that  compliments  another  with  heartv'  wishes  to 
his  face,  and  afterwar-Js  degrades  his  reputation,  is  a 
double  tongued  hypocrite. 

Never  betray  the  trust  reposed  in  you,  or  divulge 
any  circumstance  your  friend  wishes  to  conceal  ;  as  no- 
thing can  render  a  person  niore  contemptible  than  a 
brearh  of  confidence. 

Be  very  careful  in  your  promises,  and  just  in  your 
performances  ;  and  remember  it  is  better  to  do,  and  not 
promise,  than  to  promise,  and  not  perform.  Lyi-)g  is 
a  vice  so  very  inf inioii§,  that  even  the  greatest  liars 
cfinnot  liear  it  in  otljors.  • 

If  you  widi  to  have  a  constant  vigorous  health,  and 
a  perpetual  spring  of  yout!),  use  temperance.  Indo- 
lence frustrates  every   design  of  our  existence.     Thr 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  145 

mind  of  an  idle  man  is  like  an  uncultivated  garden, 
planted,  indeed,  with  flowers  and  fruit,  but  overrun 
with  noxious  weeds. 

When  much  gratitude  is  found  in  a  poor  man,  it  may 
be  taken  for  granted,  that  there  would  be  as  much  gen- 
erosity if  he  were  rich. 

Use  not  needlessly,  learned  or  hard  words  ;  he  that 
affects  to  be  thought  learned,  is  likely  to  be  accounted 
a  fool. 

Useful  knowledge  can  have  no  enemies,  except  the 
ignorant :  it  cherishes  youth,  delights  the  aged,  is  an 
ornament  in  prosperity,  and  yields  comfort'  in  adversity. 

Youth  is  the  season  for  improvement  in  knowledge, 
for  forming  the  mind,  and  for  gaining  such  accomplish- 
ments as  will  make  us  useful  and  happy.  What  a  gold- 
en age  is  this  which  affords  us  such  opportunities  of 
laying  up  happiness  for  riper  years  ! 

A  family,  where  the  great  Father  of  the  universe  is 
duly  reverenced,  where  parents  are  honoured  and  obey- 
ed, where  brothers  and  sisters  dwell  together  in   love 
and  harmony,  where  peace  and  order  reign,  where  there 
is  no  law  but  the  law  of  kindness  and  wisdom — is  sure- 
ly a  most  delightful  and  interesting  spectacle. 
— qOO— 
SECTION  LX. 
Winter. — A  Season  for  rcmemhcrmg  the  Poor. 

Now  Winter  is  coxne,  with  his  cold  chilling;  breath, 

And  the  verdure  is  dropped  from  the  trees  ; 
All  nature  seems  touch'd  by  the  iing:er  of"  death, 

And  the  streams  are  beginning'  to  iVeeze. 
When  wanton  young  lads,  o'er  the  river  can  slide, 

Aiid  Flora  attends  us  no  more  ;  * 

When  in  plenty  you  sit  by  a  good  fire-side, 

Sure  you  ought  to  remember  the  poor. 

When  the  cold  featlierM  snow  docs  in  plenty  descend. 

And  whitens  the  prospect  around  ; 
When  the  keen  cutting  w  inds  from  the  north  shall  attend, 

Hard  chilling  and  freezing  the  ground  ;  / 

When  the  hills  and  the  dales  are  all  candied  and  white, 

When  the  rivers  congeal  to  the  shore, 
When  the  bright  twinkling  stars  shall  proclaim  a  cold  night, 

Then  remember  the  state  of  the  poor. 
13 


146  THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTEK. 

When  me  poor  harmless  hare  may  be  trac'd  to  tht  «v/v,«^, 

By  her  footsteps  indented  in  snow  ; 
When  the  lips  and  the  fingers  are  starting:  with  blood  ; 

When  the  marksmen  a  cock-shooting  go  ; 
vVhen  the  poor  robin  redbreast  approaches  the  cot ; 

When  the  icicles  hang  at  the  door  ; 
iVhen  the  bowl  smokes  with  something  reviving  and  hot. 

That's  the  time  to  remember  the  poor. 

When  a  thaw  shall  ensue,  and  the  waters  increase, 

And  the  rivers  all  insolent  grow  ; 
VVhen  the  fishes  from  prison  obtain  a  release  ; 

When  in  danger  the  travellers  go  : 
When  the  meadows  are  hid  with  the  proud  swelling  flood  ; 

When  the  bridges  are  useful  no  more  : 
When  in  health  you  enjoy  every  thing  that  is  good, 

Can  you  grumble  to  think  on  the  poor  ? 

Soon  the  day  will  be  here,  when  a  Saviour  was  bom, 

All  the  world  should  agree  as  one  voice  ; 
All  nations  unite  to  salute  the  blest  morn  ; 

All  ends  of  the  earth  sbodd  rejoice. 
Grim  death  is  deprived  of  his  all-killing  sting, 

And  the  grave  is  triumphant  no  more  ; 
S^aints,  angels  and  men,  hallelujihs  shall  sing. 

And  the  rich  shall  remember  the  poor. 
— &Q^ — 

SECTION  LXI. 

Friendship. 
What  power  can  prop  a  sinking  soul, 

Oppress'd  with  woes  and  sick  of  grief,  V. 

Bid  the  warm  tear  forbear  to  roll. 
Despair's  heart-rending  sigh  control, 

And  whisper  sweet  relief? 

Friendship  .'  sweet  l)alm  for  sorrow's  smart, 
In  thee  the  soothing  power  is  found, 

To  heal  the  lacerated  heart. 

Extract  affliction's  venom'd  dart. 
And  close  the  rankling  wound. 

When  pierc'd  by  griefs  chill  tempest  through, 
The  tendril  bends  beneath  its  power. 

Thou  canst  tiie  broken  plant  renew  ; 

Thy  sacred  tear  like  heavenly  dew, 
Kevives  the  drooping  iiowcr. 

If  Fortune  frown — if  health  depart, 

Or  death  divide  the  tenderest  tie. 
Friendship  can  raise  the  sinking  heart, 
A  glow  ol  real  joy  impart. 

And  wipe  the  tearful  eye. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


147 


If  foes  without  attack  our  name. 

Or  foes  within  assault  our  peace, 
Then  Friendship's  pure  celestial  flame. 
Can  sooth  the  mind — defend  our  fame. 

And  bid  assailants  cease. 

If  hopeless  Love  our  bliss  destroy, 

And  fill  tlie  breast  with  black  despair, 
All  peace  such  sufl'erers  can  enjoy, 
Is  built  by  Friendship's  kind  employ, 
Which  lessens  every  care. 

Come,  then,  sweet  power  of  source  divine, 

For  ever  glow  within  my  breast  ; 
My  earliest  friend  be  ever  mine, 
One  link  our  hearts  in  union  join. 

To  make  each  other  blest. 

SECTION  LXII. 

Words  of  three  syllables,  acrenied  on  the  seconds. 


A  base  merit,  n.the  act  of  hum- 
bling [sening 
A  bate  ment,  n.  the  act  of  les- 
A  bu  sive,  a.  offensive,  rude 
A  chz'eve  ment,   n.   the   per- 
formance of  an  action 
Ac  quaz'n  tancc,  n.  familiarity 
Ac  quire  ment,  Ji.  gain 
Ad  ja  cent,  a.  lying  close  to 
Agree  ment,  n.  contract,  bar- 
gain, concord 
Ai  lure  ment,  n.   enticement 
A  maze  ment,  n.  extreme  fear 
A  muse  ment,  w.  diversion 
Ap  pa  rent,  a.  visible,  plain 
Ap  pear  ance,   n.   the  act  of 
coming  into  sight ;  i-esem- 
blance 
Ar  range  ment,  71.  state  of  be- 
ing put  in  order 
Ar  ri  val,  n.  the  act  of  com- 
ing to  a  place 
A  sy  lum,  n.  a  retreat,  refuge 
A  toae  ment,  n,  satisfaction 
Atro  ciou3,  a.  very  wicked 


Back  sli  der,  n.  an  apostate 
Bal  CO  ny,  n.  a  gallery  on  the 

outside 
Be  hav  iour,  7i.  maifner  of  ac- 
tion, conduct 
Be  h'e  ver,  ?i.one  that  believes 
Ca  pa  cious,  a.  large,  wide 
Ces  sa  tion,  71.  a  stop,  rest 
Com  mo  tion,  n.  a  tumult 
Com  plete  ly,  ad.  perfectly, 

fully  [ment 

Cora  pie  tion,  n.  accomplish- 
Com  pli  ance,  n.  submission 
Com  po  ser,  n.  an  author,  wri" 

ter,  former    . 
Con  clu  sive,  n.  decisive 
Con  fine  ment,   n.    restraint, 

imprisonment  [order 

Con  fu  sion,  [s  like  zh]  n.  dis- 
Con  tri  vance,  n.  a  scheme, 

plot,  artifice  ' 

Crtur  age  ous,  a-  brave,  bold 
Cre  a  tor,  n.  the  Being  that 

bestows  existence         [test 
De  bate  ment,  n,  dispute}  con- 


143 


THE  AMERICAN  IIVSTRUCTER. 


De  celt  ful,  a.  full  of  deceit, 

treacherous,  false 
De  cei  ver,  «.  an  impostor 
De  ci  sive,  a.  conclusive 
De  CO  rum, «,  decency,  orHer 
De  Wghi  ful,  a.  pleasant 
De  port  ment,  n.  conduct,  be- 
haviour [eager 
De  SI  rous,  a.  full  of  desire, 
De  vo  tion,  ?z.  piety,  worship, 

su-dent  love 
Dis  a  ble,  v.  to  render  unable 
Do  na  tion,  n.  a  gift,  present 
Du  ra  tion,  n.  continuance 
En  a  ble,  v.  to  make  able 
En  clo  5ure,   [s   like  zh]  71. 

ground  enclosed 
En  croach  ment,  n.  an  unlaw- 
ful intrusion 
En  dan  ger,  v.  to  bring  into 
danger,  to  hazard        [love 
En  deir  ment,  n.  the  cause  of 
En  fee  ble,  v.  to  weaken 
En  force  ment,  n.  compulsion 
En  gage  ment,  n.  the  act  of 

engaging  ;  a  battle 
En  gra  ver,  n.   one  who  en- 
graves [to  instruct 
En  Vigh  ten,  v.  to  illuminate  ; 
En  li  vcn,  v.  to  animate,  cheer 
En  no  ble,T'.to  dignify,  elevate 
En  rol  ment,  n,  a  register,  re- 
cord 
En  slave  ment,  ??.  slavery 
En  su  ranrc,  [s  like  sh]  n.  ex- 
emption from  iiazard  ;  sum 
paid  for  security 
En  tice  ment,  n.  allurement 
En  tire  ly,  ad.    completclv, 

fully 
En  ti  tie,  V.  to  give  a  right  to 
E  qua  tion,   n.    bringing   _of 
ttungs  to  an  equality 


Er  ra  ta,  «.  correction  of  er-* 

rours  in  printing 
Ex  treme  ly,  ad.  greatly 
Fal  la  cious,  a.  deceitful 
Fe  ro  cious,  a.  fierce,  savage 
For  bear  ance,  n.  act  of  for-' 

bearing,  mildness,  lenity 
For  ma  tion,   n.    the   act  or 

manner  of  forming 
Gen  teel  ly,  ad.  politely 
Gen  teel  ness,  n.   politeness, 

elegance 
Gra  da  tion,  n.  a  regular  pro- 
gress, order,  degree 
He  ro  ick,  a.  brave,  noble 
Hi  atus,n.an  aperture,  breach 
Ho  ri  zon,  71.  the  line  that  ter- 
minates the  view 

I  de  a,  n.  mental  imagination 
Ig  no  ble,  a.  mean   of  birth, 

worthless 

II  le  gal,  a.  contrary  to  law, 
unjust,  dishonest 

III  na  ture,  [t  like  tsh]  n.  pee- 
vishness, unkindness 

Im  pa  tiencc,  n.  uneasiness, 
fretfulness 

Im  peach  ment,  n.  a  legal  ac- 
cusation, hindcrance 

Ira  pure  ly,  ad.  in  an  impure 
manner 

In  clu  sive,  a.  comprehending 

In  de  cent,  a.  unbecoming 

In  dift  ment,  n.  a  written  for- 
mal accusation  of  a  crime 
by  a  grand  jury 

In  (luce  ment,  n.  incitement, 
motive 

In  hu  man,  a.  barbarous,cruel 

In  qui  ry,  n.  an  interrogation, 
search 

In  va  der,  n.  an  assailant,  in- 
truder 


THE  AMERICAN  iNSTRUCTER. 


149 


In  va  sion,  [s  like  zh]  n.  hos- 
tile entrance,  assault 
In  vei  gle,  X'.  to  seduce,  allure 
In  vi  ter,  n.  one  who  invites 
Lo  qua  cious,  a.  full  of  talk 
Mi  nute  ly,  ad.  exactly  [ment 
Mis  u  sage,n.  abuse,  bad  treat- 
Mo  rose  ness,  n.  peevishness, 
sourness  [tion 

Nar  ra  tion,  n.  account,  rela- 
Nar  ra  tor,  n.  a  relater 
Ne  ga  tion,  n.  denial 
No  ta  tion,  n.   the  act  of  no- 
ting down,  a  meaning 
Ob  la  tion,  n.  an  offering,  sa- 
crifice 
Ob  scure  ly,  ad.  darkly 
Oc  ca  sion,  [s  like   zh]   n.   a 

cause,  opportunity 
Oc  ta  vo,  a.  a  sheet  folded  in- 
to eight  leaves 
Oc  to  ber,  n.  the  tenth  month 

of  the  year 
Op  po  nent,  ?i.  antagonist,  ad- 
versary [ses 
Op  po  ser,  n.  one  who  oppo- 
O  ra  tion,  n.  a  publick  speech, 
an  address                    [rious 
Out  rage  ous,  a.  violent,  fu- 
Par  ta  ker,  n.  a  sharer,  an  as- 
sociate 
Per  sua  sivc,   a.    having    tl)c 

power  to  persuade 
Pe  ru  sal,  n.  the  act  of  reading 
Plan  ta  lion,  n.  a  place  plant- 
ed ;  a  colony 
Po  lite  ness,  n.    elegance   of 

manners,  gentility 
Pol  lu  tion,n  defilement,  guilt 
Po  ta  to,  n.  an  esculent  root 
Pre  cise  ly,  ad.  exactly,  accu- 
rately [tion 
\  Pri  va  tion,  n.  a  loss,  destruc- 
t 


1 
Pro  ceed  ing,».  progress  fronx 

one  thi n<r  to  another 
Pro  fane  ly,  ad.  wickedly 
Pro  fane  ness,  n.  irrevereneej 

impiety 
Pro  fuse  ness,  n.  lavishness 
Pro  mo  ter,  n.  an  encourager, 

advancer 
Pro  mo  tion,  n.  advancement; 
exaltation  to  some  new  hon- 
our or  rank  [ratio 
Pro  por  tion,  n.  an  equal  part, 
Pro  po  sal,  n.  a  scheme  pro- 
pounded                      [vides 
Pro  vi  der,   ti.  one  who  pro- 
Quo  ta  tion,  a.  a  passage  quo- 
ted, citation 
Ra  pa  cious,  a.  seizing  by  vi- 
olence ;  given  to  plunder 
lie  ci  tal,  ,1.   rehearsal,  repe- 
tition 
Re  deem  er,  n.  the  Saviour  of 
the  world  ;  one  who  redeems 
Re  fine  ment,  n.  a  purifying,  ■ 

an  improvement 
Re  fi  ner,  n.  a  purifier 
Re  fu  saJ,  ??.  the  first  right  of 

choice  ;  denial 
Re  la  tion,  n.  kindred  ;  a  nar- 
ration ;  reference       [ance 
Re  li  ancc,  n.  trust,  depend- 
Re  maj'n  der,  7i.  what  is  left 
Re  new  al,  ;i.  the  act  of  re- 
newing 
Re  proach  ful,  a.    infamous, 
scurrilous  [bode 

Re  tire  ment,  n.  a  private  a- 
Sal  va  tion,    n.   preservation 

from  eternal  death 
Se  date  ness,  n.  calmness 
Sen  sa  tion,  n.  perception  by 
the  senses  [flictively 

Se  vere  ly,  ad.  paiufully>  af  ■ 
13» 


159 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Sin  cere  ly,  ad.  honestly 
So  lu  tion,  n.  explanation,  an- 
swer, separation 
Spec  ta  tor,  n.  a  looker  on 
Sub  scri  ber,  n.  one  who  sub- 
scribes 
Temp  ta  tion,  n.  the  act  of 

tempting,  enticement 
Tes  ta  tor,  n.  one  who  leaves 

a  will 
Tor  na  do,  n.  a  hurricane 
Trans  pa  rent,  a.  that  which 
may  be  seen  through,  clear 
Un  a  ble,  a.  not  able,  weak 
(Jn  ea  sy,  a.  disturbed  [equal 
Un  e  qual,  a.  not  even,   not 
Un  faith  ful,  a.   treacherous, 

dishonest 
Un  e  yen,  a.  not  level       [ful 
Un  grate  ful,  a.  vile,  unthank-' 
Un  ho  ly,  a.  profane,  wicked 
Un  kind  ness,  n.  ill  will 
Un  like  ly,  ad.  improbable[ed 
Un  qui  et,  a.  restless,  disturb- 
Un  j^jholc  some,  a.  not  whole- 
some, unhealthy 
Va  ca  tion,  n,  leisure,  inter- 
mission 
Ver  ba  tim,  ad.  word  for  word 
Vex  a  tion,  n.  the  act  of  troub- 
ling, sorrow  [tain 
Vol  ca  no,  n.  a  burning  moun- 

2 
A  bandon,v.toforsake,desert 
A  bridg  ment,  n.  a  work  shor- 
tened [manner 
Ab  rupt  ness,  n.  in  an  abrupt 
A  bun  dance,  n.  great  plenty 
Ac   cep  tance,  n.   reception 

with  approbation 
Ac  ces  sion,  n.  addition 
Ac  cus  torn,  V.  to  ose  one's 
sdf  to 


Ad  diet  cd,  pa.  devoted  to 
Ad  mit  tance,  n.  tha  act   of 
admitting  [ment 

Ad  vance  ment,  n.  improve- 
Ad  van  tage,  n.  superiority 
Af  fee  tion,  7i.  love,  kindness 
Af  flic  tion,//..  distress,  misery 
Al  read  y,ad.  now,at  this  time 
A  mend  ment,  n.  a  change  for 

the  better 
Ap  par  el,  7i.  dress,  clothing 
Ap  pen  dix,  ;i.  something  ad- 
ded, a  supplement 
As  sas  sin,  n.  a  murderer 
Ap  pren  ticc,  7i.  one  bound  to 

learn  a  trade 
As  sem  ble,  v.  to  bring  or 
meet  together  [together 
As  sem  bly, ;/.  a  company  met 
As  sess  ment,  n.  taxation 
As  ses  sor,  n.  one  that  lays 
taxes  [lief 

As  sis  tance,  n.  help,  aid,  re- 
At  ten  dance,  n.  the  act  of 

waiting  on  another 
At  ten  dant,  //.  one  that  at- 
tends [gardful 
At  ten   tiv«,   a.    heedful,   re- 
Bat  tal  ion,  n.  division  of  an 

army 
Be  gin  ning,  n,  the  first  cause 
Clan  des  tine,  a.  secret,  hid-' 
den,  sly  [ered 

Col  lee  tion,7j.  the  things  gath- 
Col  lee  tor,  H.  a  gatherer,  a 

receiver  of  taxes 
Com  mis  sion,  n.  a  trust,  war- 
rant of  oftice  [ment 
Com  mit  ment,  n,  imprison- 
Com  mit  tee,  n.  a  number  of 
persons  appointed  to  man- 
age any  matter 
Com  pact  ly,  ad,  closely 


THE    AMKRICAN    INSTRUCTED.  \5l 


Com  pan  ion,  ?«.  a  partner       I  Coin  ])i;I  sion,   )/.  the  act  of 

compelling 
Con  fes  sion,  ti.  the  ackno\rl- 


Com  pas  sion,  n.  pjty,  mercy 

Com  pen  sate,  v.  to  recom- 
pense, to  make  amends 

Com  plex  ion,  n.  the  colour 
of  the  face 

Com  pul  sivf,  a.  forcible4|( 


cdgment  of  a  crime 
Con  sid  er,r.  to  think,  ponder 
Con  sis  tent,  a.  conformable 
Con  tern  plate,  v.  to  meditate 

*  — '^ — 

SECTION  LXIll. 

On  the  animal  wgiIJ,  and  the  scale  of  beings. 

If  we  consider  those  parts  of  the  material  world 
which  lie  nearest  to  us,  and  are  therefore  subject  to  our 
inquiries,  it  is  amazing  to  reflect  on  the  infinity  of  ani- 
mals with  which  it  is  stocked.  Every  part  of  matter 
swarms  with  inhabitants  ;  na^ ,  we  find  in  the  most  solid 
bodies,  innumerable  cells  and  cavities,  which  are  crowd- 
ed with  those  imperceptible  inhabitants  that  are  too 
small  for  the  naked  eye  to  discover. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  we  look  into  the  more  bulky 
parts  of  nature,  we  see  the  seas,  lakes  and  rivers  teem- 
ing with  numberless  kinds  of  living  creatures  ;  we  find 
every  mountain  and  marsh,  wilderness  and  wood,  plen- 
tifully stocked  with  birds  and  beasts,  and  every  part  of 
matter  aftbrding  proper  necessaries  and  conveniences 
for  the  livelihood  of  multitudes  which  inhabit  it. 

Infinite  goodness  is  of  so  communicative  a  nature,  that 
it  seems  to  delight  in  conferring  existence  upon  every 
degree  of  perceptive  being.  There  are  some  living  crea- 
tures which  are  raised  but  little  above  dead  matter.  To. 
mention  only  that  species  of  shell-fish,  which  are  formed 
in  the  fashion  of  a  cone,  which  grow  to  the  surface  of 
rocks,  and  immediately  die  when  separated  from  the 
place  where  they  grow. 

Many  other  creatures  are  but  one  remove  from  these, 
possessing  no  other  senses  but  those  of  feeling  and  taste: 
others  have  an  additional  sense  of  hearing  ;  others  of 
smelHng  ;  and  others  of  sight.  It  is  wonderful  to  ob- 
serve, by  what  a  gradual  progress  the  world  of  life  ad- 
•  vanges  through  a  prodigious  variety  of  species,  before  a 


152  THE   AMERICAN    LXSTROCTER. 

creature  is  formed  which  is  complete  in  all  its  senses  ; 
and  the  several  degrees  of  perfection  in  which  the  sen- 
ses are  found,  in  the  same  species,  are  so  great,  that 
they  seem  almost  of  a  different  nature. 

If  we  look  into  the  se%'eral  perfections  of  cunning  and 
«agacity,  we  find  them  rising  imperceptibly  one  above 
another,  and  receiving  additional  improvements,  accord- 
ing to  the  species  in  which  tliey  are  implanted.  The 
progress  in  nature  is  so  very  gradual,  that  the  most 
perfect  of  an  inferiour  species,  comes  very  near  to  the 
most  imperfect  of  that  which  is  immediately  above  it. 

The  unbounded  goodness  of  the  Supreme  Being, 
whose  mercy  extends  to  all  his  works,  is  plainly  seen 
from  his  having  made  so  little  matter  which  does  not 
swarm  with  life  ;  nor  is  his  goodness  less  seen  in  the  di- 
versity, than  in  the  multitude  of  living  creatures.  Had 
he  made  only  one  species  of  animals,  none  of  the  rest 
would  have  enjoyed  the  happiness  of  existence  :  he  has 
therefore  varied  his  creation  with  every  degree  of  life, 
with  every  capacity  of  being. 

The  whole  chasm  of  nature,  from  a  plant  to  a  man, 
is  filled  up  with  divers  kinds  of  creatures,  rising  one 
above  another  by  such  a  gentle  and  easy  ascent,  that  the 
little  transitions  and  deviations  from  one  species  to  an- 
other, are  almost  imperceptible.  This  intermediate 
space  is  so  well  managed,  that  there  is  scarce  a  degree 
of  perception  which  does  not  appear  in  some  part  of 
the  world  of  life. 

In  this  system  of  being,  there  is  no  creature  so  won- 
derful in  its  nature,  and  which  so  much  deserves  our 
particular  attention,  as  man,wlu)  fills  up  the  middle  space 
between  the  animal  and  intellectu;il  imture,  the  visible 
and  invisible  world,  and  is  that  link  in  the  chain  of  be- 
ings which  has  often  been  termed  the  connexion  of  each 
world.  So  that  he,  who  is  in  one  respect  associated 
with  angels  and  archangels,  may  look  upon  a  Being  of 
infinite  perfection  as  his  father,  and  the  highest  order 
of  spirits  as  his  brethren  ;  and  may,  in  anotlicr  respect, 
say  to  corruption,  "  thou  art  my  father,  and  to  the 
worm,  thou  art  my  mother  and  my  sister." 


l-HE   AMERICAN    INSTHUCTER.  153 

^;    "        ;        SECTION  LXIV. 

On 'profane  Cursing  and  Swearing. 

Of  all  the  vices  with  which  the  present  age  is  affect- 
ed, none  seem  so  prevalent,  none  so  disregarded,  as  that 
heinous  sin  of  profane  cursing  and  swearing.  All  ages 
and  conditions  have  caught  the  dangerous  infection: 
the  statesman,  the  labourer,  the  decrepit  old  man,  and 
the  lisping  infant,  are  alike  distempered. 

Each  in  his  turn,  daily  makes  use  of  the  same  horrid 
imprecations,  boldly  calling  down  the  vengeance  of  that 
God,  who  hath  said,  "  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of 
the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain,"  upon  their  own,  and  each 
other's  heads.  That  Almighty  Being  by  whow  we  live, 
and  move,  and  have  our  existence,  hath  in  direct  and 
positive  terms  told  us,  that  "  the  man  who  taketh  his 
name  in  vain  shall  not  be  held  guiltless." 

Dare  we  then  so  frequeiuly  to  violate  this  article  of 
the  decalogue,  when  truth  and  justice  have  declared  its 
enormous  guilt,  when  such  impending  danger  threatens 
4he  wretch,  and  seems  every  moment  ready  to  crush 
him  ?  surely  every  one  who  is  guided  by  reason  or  re- 
ligion, will  carefully  avoid  so  dangerous  and  unprofitable 
a  vice.  It  brings  with  it  no  temporal  advantage,  like 
many  other  vices,  and  serves  no  other  purpose,  but  the 
false  opinion  of  making  a  man's  assertion  of  consequence. 

Avarice  heaps  up  gold,  and  though  it  dares  not  use 
it,  yet  it  feels  a  satisfaction  in  turning  over  and  over  its 
massy  stores :  dishonesty  brings,  perhaps,  a  timely  sup- 
ply to  the  necessities  of  a  villain,  and  keeps  him  a  few 
days  without  the  walls  of  a  dungeon  :  gluttony  and 
drunkenness  satiate  the  appetites  of  those  who  are  their 
votaries  ;  and  even  murder,  the  most  shocking  of  all 
crimes,  pleases  the  perpetrator  with 'the  cruel,  though 
false  notion  among  men,  that  revenge  is  sweet. 

All  these  vices  have  the  probability  of  gratifying  some 
corrupt  inclination,  or  of  affording  us  some  temporal  en- 
joyment :  but  swearing  can  answer  no  purpose,  except 
that  of  giving  a  seeming  consequence  ;  and  even  here  it 
misses  its  aim  ;  for  the  exprfessions  of  the  swearer  have 


la* 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTEH. 


become  so  common,  that  they  are  considered  as  mere 
cyphers  or  expletives  in  discourse.  Indeed,  the  ration- 
al part  of  mankind  consider  the  affirmations  of  the  com- 
mon swearer,  as  doubtful  and  futye ;  and  the  more  so,  in 
proportion  to  the  number  of  oaths  that  accompany  them. 
To  what  a  wretched  ebb  must  a  man's  reputation  be 
sunk,  who  thinks  he  is  not  to  be  credited,  unless  he  con- 
firms whatever  he  advances  with  the  most  solemn  inv 
precations  !  Let  us  then  endeavour  to  forsake  a  vice  so 
replete  with  danger,  folly  and  madness ;  nor  boldly  call 
down  the  judgements  of  an  offended  God  upon  ourselves 
and  others,  lest  at  some  time  he  should  visit  us  with 
those  very  curses  we  have  wickedly  desired  he  would 
inflict  upon  us. 

SECTION   LXV- 

Words  of  three  si/llables,  accented  on  the  second ,  Continued- 


Con  tention,  n.  strife,  quarrel 
Con  ten  tious,  a.  quarrelsome 
Content  ment, n.  satisfaction 
Con  tin  uc,v.  to  remain  in  the 

same  state,  to  persevere 
Con  trac  tion,  n.  abbreviation 
Cen  ven  tion,  n.  an  assembly 
Cor  rec  tion,  n.  punishment 
Cor  re«t  ly,  ad.  accurately 
Cor  rect  ness,  n.  accuracy 
De  can  ter,  n.  a  glass  vessel 

used  for  holding  liquor 
De  cem  ber,  n.  the  last  mouth 

iu  the  year 
De  cep  tion,  n.  cheat,  fraud 
De  li  cious,  a.  sweet,  pleasant 
De  liv  or,  v.  to  give,  save 
, De  ris  io?j,  [s  like  zh]  n.  con 

tempt,  scorn 
Dp.  struction,n.  ruin,  murder 


Di  niin  ish,  v.  to  lessen,  de- 
crease 
Di  rec  tion,  n.  order,  rule 
Di  rect  ly,  ad.  immediately, 

soon  ;  iu  a  straight  line 
Dis  cour  age,  v.  to  depress 
Dis  fig  ure,  w.  to  deform 
Di.s-  inis  sion,  n.  a  discharge 
Dis  tern  per,  n.  a  disease 
Dis  tine   tion,  ?«.  difference, 

note 
Dis  tinct  ly,  ad.  clearly 
Dis  tin  guisl),  v.  to  hote,  hon- 
our, perceive  [fusion 
Dis  trac  tion,  71.  madness,  cou- 
1  Dis  trib  ute,  v.    to  divide   a- 
monir  many        [perplexity 
I  Dis  tur  bancc,  n.    confusion, 
[  Di  \\s  ion,  [s  like  /.b]   n.  the 
act  of  dividing 


De  struc  tivc,  a.  wasteful,  that '  Do  nies  tick,  a.  belonging  to 
whicb  des'troys  I      tbe  house,  private       [dour 

De  tach  ment,  n.  a  body  of  F..f  ful  gouce,  n.  lustre,  splen- 
troops  sent  out  from  tlic  ;  E  Ice  tion,  71.  the  act  of  choos 
main  army  '      ing,  choice 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


155 


;E  lee  tor,  n.  one  who  elects 
Hm  bar  rass,  v.  to  perplex 
Em  bei  lish,  v.  to  adorn 
E  mis  sion,  n.  the  act  of  send- 
ing forth  [love 
En  am  our,  v.  to  inflame  with 
En  camp   ment,  n.  a  camp  ; 

the  act  of  encamping 
En  cour  age,  v.  to  animate 
En  cum  ber,  v.  to  clog,  em- 
barrass [tempt 
En  deav  our,  v.  to  strive,  at- 
En  kin  die,  v.  to  set  on  fire 
En  tan   gle,  v.  to     insnare, 

confuse,  puzzle 
En  vel  op,  v.  to  inwrap,  cover 
En  ven  om,i'.  to  poison,enrage 
E  pis  tie,  n.  a  letter,  message 
E  rup  tion,  n.  a  bursting  forth 
Es  sen  tia),  a,  necessary  [tie 
E  stab  lish,  v.  to  confirm,  set- 
Ex  am  ine,   v.    to  ask   ques- 

tionsj  consider 
Ex  am  pie,  n.  a  pattern,  copy, 

precedent 
Ex  hib  if,  V.  to  offer  to  view 
Ex  is  tence,  n.  state  of  being 
Ex  pan  si\e,a.  extensive, wide 
Ex  pen  sive,  a.  costly,  dear 
Ex  pres  sion,  n.  a  form  of 

speech 
Ex  press  \y,ad.  in  direct  terms 
Ex  pul  sion,  n,  an  expelling 
Ex  ten  sive,  a.  wide,  large 
Ex  tin  guish,  v.  to  put   out, 

destroy 
Ex  trac  tion,  n.  a  drawing  out 
Fa  mil  iar,  a.  afi'able,  free 
For  bid  dance,  n.  prohibition 
Fore  tel  ler,  «.  a  predictor 
For  get  ful,rg  hard]  a.  not  re- 
membering, iieedless   [don 
For  give  ness,  [g  hard]  n.  par- 


Gi  gan  tick,  a.  giantlike,  big 
Here  after,  ad.  in  future  time 
How  ev  er,  ad.  nevertheless, 

yet,  at  least 
II  lus  trate,  v.  to  explain  ;  to 

brighten 
Im  ag  ine,  [g  soft]  v.  to  fancy, 

to  contrive 
Im  pres  sion,  n.  mark  made 

by     pressure   ;    influence 

made  on  the  mind  [fine 
Im  pris  on,  v.  to  shut  up,  con- 
Im  pul  sive,  a.  having  power 

to  impel  [ployed 

In  ac  tive,  a.  indolent,  unem- 
In  ces  sant,  a.  continual 
In  cul  cate,  v.  to  impress  by 

admonitions,  to  teach 
In  den  ture,  [t  like  tsh]  n,  a 

kind  of  covenant  or  deed 
In  dig  nant,  a.  angry,  raging 
In  dul  gence,  n.  forbearance, 

fondness,  favour  granted 
In  dul  gent,  a.kind,favourable 
In  fee  tious,  a.  contagious 
In  flee  tion,  n.  the  act  of  bend- 
ing or  varying  ;  modulation 

of  the  voice  [breakii^g 

Ln  frac  tion,  7i.   the    act    of 
In  fringe  ment,  n.  a  violation, 

breach 
In  hab  it,  v.  to  dwell  in 
In  her  it,  v._  to  possess,  to  have 

by  inheritance  [order 

In  June  tion,  n.  a  command, 
In  jus  tice,  n.  unfair  dealing, 

iniquity 
In  scrip  tion,   ??.  an  epitaph, 

a  thing  written,  title 
In  sip  id,  a.  without  taste,  diili 
In  spec  tion,  n.  examination, 

survey,  view  [dent 

In  spec  tor,  n.  a  superinten- 


ii,6  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER 


In  striic  ter,  n.  a  teacher  _ 
In  siruc  tion,  n.  iTiformation, 

the  act  of  teaching 
In  stnic  five,   a.    conveying 

knowledge 
In  ten  tioi),^?.  design,  purpose 
Iq  tcs  tate,  n.   dying  without 

a  will 
In  trench  nient,  n.   a  fortifi 

cation  witli  a  trench 
In  trep  id,  a.  fearless,  brave 
-In  trin  sick,  a.  inward,  real 
In  val  id,  a.  weak,  of  no  force 
In  vec  tivc,  a.  abusive,satuical 
In  ven  tion,  n.  the  act  of  pro- 

ducin,Q;  something  new 
Ir  rnp  tion,  n.  an  inroad,  the 
act  of  any  thing  forcing  an 
entrance 
Ju  di  cious,  a.  prudent,  wise, 

skilful  ■    . 

Li  cen  tious,  a.  unrestrained, 

presumptuous,  loose 
Ma  pi  cian,  n.  one  skilled  m 
^  niagick  [«'ug"^^ 

Ma  ios  tick,  ^7.  grand,  royal, 


Ma  li  cious,  a. 


nialijinani,  ill- 


nature  J,  spit(>iul         [cious 
Ma  lig  nant,  a.  envious,  mali- 
Me  chmkk,  v.  an  artificer 
Me  theg  lin,  n.  a  drink  made 

of  iifi^iey  and  water 
Mi  li  lia.  I  mil  lisli  ya]  n.  na- 

tioDal  force,  trainbands 
Mis  man  age,  r.  to  manage  ill 
Mo  men  tous,   a.    important, 
weighty  Im.isick 

Mu  si  cian,  n.  one  skilled  m 
Neg  lect   ful,  a.    inattentive, 

heedless 
Noc  tvir  nal,  «•  nightly 
No  vem  ber,  n.  the  eleventh 
month  of  the  year 


■i  .  . 

Ob  jec  tion,  n.  an  opposition 

Ob  jec  tor,n.  one  who  objecU 

Ob  struc  tion,  n.  hinderanec 

Oc  currence,n.  any  thing  that 

happens 
Of  fence  less,  a.  innocent 
Of  fen  der,  n.  one  who  offends 
Of  fen  sive,    a.    displeasing, 
hurtful  [fice 

Of  fi  cial,  a.  relating  to  an  of- 
O  mis  sion,  n.    neglect,  for- 
bearance [mcnt 
'  O  pin  ion,n.  sentiment,  judge- 
Op  pres  sive,  a.  cruel,  severe 
Op  pres  sion,  n.  cruelty,  hard- 
ship . 
Out  bal  ance,  v.  to  outweigh 
Pa  ren  tal,  a.   becoming  pa- 
rents, affectionate         [der    ^ 
Pa  thet  ick,  a.  affecting,  ten- 
Per  di   tion,  n.   destruction, 

ruin 
Per  fee  tion,  n.  the  state   o! 
being  perfect  [erty 

Per  mis  sion,  n.  a  grant  of  lib- 
Per  ni  cious,  a.  destructive 
Per    spec    tivc,    n.    a     glass 
through  which  things  are 
viewed  ;  a.  relating  to  vi- 
sion 
Petition,  n.  a  request,  en- 
treaty ;  V.  to  solicit,  entreat 
Phy  si  cian,  n.  one  who  pro- 
fesses the  art  of  healing 
Pi  az  za,  n.  a  short  walk  un 

der  arches,  a  portico 
P116U  mat  icks,  n.    the  doc- 
trine of  the  air 
iPo  si  tion,7i.  situation;  rule 
1  Pus  scs  sion,  n.  the  state  ot 
having  in  one's  own  power 
Pos  SOS  sor,  n.  an  owner,  pro- 
'      prictor 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


1^ 


Pre  cep  tor,  n.  a  teacher,  tutor 
Pre  die  tion,  n.  a  prophecy 
Pre  sent  ment,  n.  the  act  of 

presenting 
Pre  sump  tion,  n.  arrogance, 

boldness,  supposition 
Pre  ten  sion,  n.  a  claim,  pre- 
tence 
Pro  ces  sion,  n.  a  train  march- 
ing in  solemnity  [ducing 
Pro  due  tion,«.  the  act  of  pro- 
Pro  due  tive,  a.  fertile,  having 

the  power  to  produce 
Pro  fes  sor,  n.  a  publick  teach- 
er or  lecturer  ;  one    who 
makes  open  declaration  of 
faith 
Pro  fes  sion,  n,.  a  declaration, 

calling,  employment 
Pro  fi  cient,  n.  one  who  makes 

good  improvement 
Pro  gres  sive,  a.  going  forward 
Pro  hib  it,  v.  to  debar,  forbid 
Pro  jec  tor,  n.  one  who  forms 

schemes  or  designs 
Pro  mul  gate,  v.  to  publish,  to 

make  known 
Pro  phet  ick,  a.  foretelling  fu- 
ture events  [ter 
Pro  tec  tion,w.  a  defence,shel- 
Pro  tec  tor,  n.  a  defender 
Pro  vis  ion,    [s  liive  zh]    71. 
victuals,  food  ;  a  providing 
beforehand 
Re  bell  ion,  n.   opposition  to 

lawful  authority 
Re  bell  ious,  a.  opposing  law- 
ful authority  [ceiving 
Re  cep  tion,  n.  the  act  of  re- 
Re  demp  tion,  n.  a  ransom, 
release  [ducing 
Re  due  tion,  n.  the  act  of  re- 
Re  dun  danc«.  n.  superfluity 


2 

Re  dun  dant,  a.  superfluous, 

exuberant 
Re  flee  tion,  n.  consideration  5 

the  act  of  throwing  back 
Re  fresh  ment,  n.  food,  nour- 
ishment [brightness 
Re  ful  gence,  «.     splendour, 
Re  ful  gent,  a,  bright, splendid 
Re  gard  less,  a.  heedless 
Re  jec  tion,  n.  the  act  of  cast- 
ing off" 
Re  lig  ?"on,  [g  soft]  n.  a  sys- 
tem   of    divine   faith    and 
worship  [devout 
Re  lig  ious,  [g  soft]  a.  pious, 
Re  lin  quish,  v.    to  forsake, 

give  up 
Re  luc  tancfi,  n.  unwillingness 
Re  luc  tant,  a.  unwilling 
Re  mem  ber,  v.   to    bear  in 
mind  [tion 

Re  mem  brance,  n.  lecollec- 
Re  mis  sion,  n.    forgiveness, 
pardon,  abatement         [sin 
Re  pen   tance,  n.  sorrow   for 
Re  plen  ish,  v.  to  stock,  to  fill 
Re  pub  lick,   ».    a  common- 
wealth or  state  governed  by 
representatives  elected  by 
the  people 
Re  pug  nant,  a.  contrary,  dis- 
obedient 
Re  sem  blance,  n.  likeness 
Re  sem  ble,  v.  to  be  like 
Re  sent  ment,  n.  a  deep  sense 

of  injury 
Re  sis  tance,  ?i.    opposition, 

the  act  of  resisting 
Re  splen  dence,  n.  lustre 
Re  splen  dent,  a,  bright,  shi- 
ning 
Re  stric  tion,  n.  limitataon 
Re  venge  ful,  a.  full  of  revenge 
14 


15$ 


THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER. 


Re  vi5  ion,  [s  like  zh]  n.  a 

re-examination 
Se  di  tion,  n.  tumult,  an  insur- 
rection [sing 
Se  lee  tion,  n.  the  act  of  choo- 
Sep  tem  ber,   n.    the    ninth 

month  of  the  year 
Se  raph  ick,  a.  angelick 
So  lie  it,  [c  like  s]  v.  to  en- 
treat, ask  [mazing 
Stu  pen  dous,  a.  wonderful,  a- 
Sub  jec  tion,  n.  the  state  of 

being  under  government 
Sub  mis  sion,  n.  resignation, 

obedience 
Sub  mis  sive,  a.  humble  [port 
Sub  sis  tence,  n.  means  of  sup- 
Sub  Stan  tial,  a.  real,  solid 
Sue  cess  ful,    a.  prosperous, 

fortunate 
Sue   ces  sion,  n.  a  series   of 
things  or  persons  following 
one  another 
Sue  ces  sor,  n.  one  who  fol- 
lows in  the  place  of  another 
Suf  fi   cient,  a.  equal  to  any 

purpose,  competent 
Sur  ren  der,  v.   to   yield   or 

deliver  up 
To  bac  CO,  n.  a  plant  unich 
used  for   smoking,    chew- 
ing, &c. 
To  geTH  er,  [g  hard]  ad.   in 

company,  in  concert 
Tra  di  tion,  n.    oral   account 

from  age  to  age 
Trans  ac  tion,  n.  dealing  be- 
tween man  and  man,  nego- 
tiation [crime 
Trans  gres  sion,  n.  an  oll'ence, 
Trans  gres  sor,  n.  an  offen- 
der, a  law  breaker    [awful 
Tr»  men  d»us,  a.   dreadful, 


Tri  umph  ant,  a.  victorious, 

celebrating  victory 
Tu  i  tion,  n.  instruction 
Um  brel  la,  n.   a  cover  from 

the  sun  or  rain 
Un  civ  il,  a.  impolite,  rude 
Un  ban  dy,  a.  awkward 
Un  hap  py,  a.  wretched,  un- 
fortunate, distressed 
Un  hertlth  y,  a.  sickly,  morbid 
Un  just  ly,  ad.  contrary  to 

justice  or  right 
Un  luc  ky,  a.  unfortunate 
Un  man  ly,  ad.  unbecoming 
a  man  "  [attentive 

Un  mind  ful,  a.  negligent,  in- 
Un  pleas  ant,  a.  not  pleasant 
Un  skil  ful,  a.  wanting  art  or 
knowledge  [riable 

Un  stead  y,  a.  inconstant,  va- 
Un  thank  ful,  a.  ungrateful 

3 
Ab  hor  rencc,  n.  great  hatred 
Ac  cor  dance,  n.  conformity 
Ac  cor  ding, pa.  agreeable  to 
Di.s-  (»r  der,  n.  sickness,  con- 
fusion 
K.nor  nious,  a.  very   large  ; 

wicked,  irregular 
Im  mor  tvd,  a.  exempt   from 

(li^alh,  perpetual 
In  st;il  mcnt,  n.  the  act  of  in- 
stalling ;  a  payment 
Mis  for  tinie,  [t  like  tsh]  o- 

bad  luck,  calamity 
Per  form  anc<;,  n.   tho  act  of 

IMMTorming 
Per  form  er,  n.  one  who  per- 
forms any  thing         [cords 
lie  cord  er,  n.  one  who   re- 
Un  lawrfiil,  a.  contrary  to  law 

4 

A  part  ment,  n.  a  room 


THIi   AiMERlCAN   iNSTRUCTER. 


ua 


Com  man  der,  n.  a  chief,  a 

leader 
Com  mand  ment,  n.  a  com- 
mand, order,  Jaw 
En  large  ment,  n.  an  increase 
Hard  heart  ed,  a.  merciless, 

.  cruel,  inhuman 
Im  mar  tial,  a.  not  warlike 
Im  par  tial,  a.  equitable,  just 

5 
A  bol  ish,  V.  to  destroy,  re- 
peal 
Ac  com  plish,  v.  to  finish 
Ac  knoicl  edge,  v.  to  confess 
Ad  mon  ish,  v.  to  reprove 
A  pos  tie,  n.  a  person  sent  to 

preach  the  gospel 
As  ton  ish,  V.  to  amaze 
De  mol  ish,  v.  to  destroy 
D'ls  Aon  est,  a.  knavish,  base 
Dis  /ton  our,  n.  reproach,  dis- 
grace 
Fore  AnoM'l  edge,  n.  knowl- 
edge of  future  events 
Im  mod  est,  a.  indecent 
Im  mor  al,  a.  wicked,  vicious 
Im  pos  tor,  71.  a  false  preten- 
der, a  cheat 
Im  prop  er,  a.  unfit,  wrong 
In  con  stani,  a.  unsteady,  va- 
riable, fickle 
In  sol  vent,  a.  unable  to  pay 

debts 
Ma  son  ick,  a.  pertaining  to 

masonry 
Mis  con  duct,  n.  ill  behaviour 
Re  mon  strance,  n.  a  repre- 
sentation 
Re  mon  strate,  v.  to  object 
Un  com  mon,  a.  not  frequent, 
unusual 
6 
Ac  coa  tre,  v.  to  equip 


Im  prove  ment,  n.  advance- 
ment, the  act  of  improving 

Im  pru  dence,  n.  indiscretion, 
negligence 

Im  pru  dent,  a.  injudicious, 
indiscreet,  negligent 

In  tru  der,  n.  one  who  forces 
himself  into  company 

In  tru  5ion,  [s  like  zh]  n.  the 
act  of  intruding 

Re  mo  val,  n,  the  act  of  mov- 
ing, a  dismission       [fertile 

Un  fruit  ful,  a.  barren,    not 

Un  ru  ly,  a.  ungovernable, 
turbulent 

8 

An  oTH  er,  a,  not  the  samCj 
one  more 

At  tor  ncy,  n.  a  lawyer,  an 
agent  [gant 

Be  com  ing,  a.  graceful,  ele- 

Dis  cov  er,  v.  to  disclose,  find 
out,  to  make  known 

En  com  pass,  v,  to  surround 

Re  cov  er,  v.  to  grow  well, 
regain 
9 

Con  vey  ance,'n.  the  act  of  re- 
moving any  thing 

Sur  vey  or,  n.  an  overseer ;  a 
measurer  of  land 

oi 

Ap  point  ment,   n.  a  decree, 

order  [figure  work 

Em  broi  der,  v.  to  adorn  with 

Em  ploy  ment,    n.   busmess, 

office 
En  joy  ment,  n.  happiness    , 

ou 

De  vout  ly,  ad.  piously,  reh  : 
giously  I 

Un  bound  ed,  a.  unlimited 


160  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

SECTION  LXVI. 

On  Procrastination. 

Few  things  are  more  ruinous,  even  to  our  secular,  ai-* 
fairs,  than  customary  procrastination.  It  confuses  and 
blights  every  kind  of  worldly  business  ;  for  business 
not  attended  to  in  the  proper  time  and  season,  is  either 
not  done  at  all,  or  done  with  more  labour  and  difficul- 
ty, and  to  less  purpose. 

Some  men  are  in  the  practice  of  letting  their  accounts 
lie  unsettled  for  several  years  together.  It  is  no  mat- 
ter they  say,  we  are  near  neighbours  and  close  friends, 
and  can  come  to  a  reckoning  at  any  time.  At  length  a 
settlement  commences  :  the  accounts  of  each,  however 
honest,  are  swelled  beyond  the  expectation  of  the  other. 
On  both  sides,  several  items  are  vanished  from  the  re- 
membrance of  him  who  is  charged  with  them;  A  warm 
dispute  ensues  ;  perhaps  an  arbitration  ;  peradventure 
ah  expensive  lawsuit  ;  and  these  close  friends  are  sev 
cred  forever. 

Some  men  neglect  to  make  their  wills,  though  they 
■know  their  estates  would  be  inherited  contrary  to  their 
own  minds,  and  the  rule  of  equity,  if  they  should  chance 
to  die  intestate.  Knowing  this,  and  sincerely  wishing 
that  right  may  be  done  to  their  heirs,  they  are  fully 
determined  to  perform  the  necessary  act  and  deed, 
some  time  or  other.  "But  why  just  now  ^  Another 
time  will  do  as  well."  And  thus  they  delay  the  thing 
from  year  to  year,  till  at  last  the  time  of  doing  it  is 
gone  by  ;  a  precious  widow,  or  a  beloved  and  deserv- 
ing child,  is  left  to  suffer  through  life  the  bitter  conse- 
quences of  this  default. 

Some  farmers,  double  their  labour,  and  lose  half  their 
profits,  for  want  of  doing  things  in  their  proper  season- 
Their  fields  are  overgrown  with  bushes  and  thorns,  all 
which  a  little  seasonable  labour  might  have  prevented. 
Their  fences,  and  even  their  buildings,  are  neglected, 
till  the  cost  of  repairs  becomes  increased  several  fold  ; 
besides  their  sustaining  a  train  of  inconveniences,  and 
•ef  .serious  injuries  from  the  neglect. 

Their  crops  also  cost  more  labour,  and  at  the  same 


'^;  THE    AMERICAN   INSTRUCTED.  I6l 

time  are  leaner  in  bulk,  or  inferiour  in  quality,  by  rea- 
son that  much  of  the  labour  that  had  been  bestowed  up- 
on them  was  out  of  season.  Nor  is  it  uncommon  to  see 
farmers  of  this  sort  in  a  mighty  hurry  and  bustle.  They 
are  behind  their  business,  and  running  to  overtake  it ; 
which  is  the  cause  of  their  being  so  often  in  a  greater 
hurry  than  their  neighbours. 

Many  a  one  loses  his  custom  as  a  mechanick,  by  not 
doing  his  work  in  season.  It  makes  no  odds,  he  thinks, 
whether  the  thing  be  done  precisely  at  the  time  agreed 
upon — but  his  customers  do  not  think  so. 

What  does  not  a  merchant  lose,  in  custom,  in  credit, 
and  in  cash,  by  neglecting  his  books,  though  it  be  on- 
ly a  few  days.  How  hard  does  he  find  it  to  sot  right, 
what  might  easily  have  been  kept  right,  if  he  had  done 
the  work  of  each  day  within  the  day. 

Honest  Jonathan  borrows  a  sum  of  money  of  his  par- 
ticular friend,  on  the  express  promise  of  scrupulous 
punctuality.  He  gets  the  money  by  the  da}'  ;  but  be- 
ing busy  here  and  there,  he  delays  to  carry  or  send  it. 
The  money  happens  to  be  Avanted  the  very  day  it  be- 
comes due  ;  and  with  that  particular  friend,  Jonathan's 
borrowing  credit  is  utterly  lost. 

Sometimes  a  doctor,  who  possesses  undoubted  skill 
in  his  profession,  loves  talk  better  than  practice.  Called 
away  in  a  case  of  pressing  emergency,  he  sets  out  with 
speed  ;  but  meets  an  old  acquaintance,  to  whom  he 
opens  a  budget  of  news  and  politicks,  which  takes  up 
half  an  hour  in  the  relating ;  and  by  the  tii>ie  he  ar- 
rives, ail  is  over.  Half  an  hour  sooner,  and  his  pa- 
tient might  have  been  saved. 

Violent  pains  and  fevery  chills  seize  us  ;  if  they  go 
not  off,  we  will  send  for  the  physician  to-morrow.  Ere 
to-morrow  arrives,  the  distemper  gains  a  fumness  that 
balBes  tlie  physician's  skill. 

Hark!  The  cry  of  fear  and  dismay.  The  Small- 
pox! Our  children  have  caught  the  contagion;  we 
meant  to  have  had  them  vaccinated,  but  have  put  it  off, 
and  the  time  for  It  Is  now  past. 

Upon  the  whole — that  which  may  be  done  at  any 

14-* 


IQ2  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUC-r£R. 

time,  is  seldom  done  in  season,  and  often  left  undone  ; 
whereas  a  little  time  that  is  known  to  be  the  only  time, 
suffices  for  bringing  much  to  pass.  Again,  when  we  have 
various  means  of  obtaining  our  object,  we  are^ess  like- 
ly to  obtain  it  tlian  if  we  Imd  only  one,  and  that  a  tea- 
sible  and  good  one  ;  for  a  vibrating  mmd  is  mactive, 
and  he  that  loiters  rarely  succeeds.  For  the  same  rear 
son,  one  good  cedling  is  better  than  lialf  a  dozen. 

SECTION  LXVIL 

Womaju 
Give  ear,  fair  daughter  of  innocence,  to  the  instruc- 
tions of  prudence,  and  let  the  precepts  of  trutii  shik 
deep  in  thy  heart ;  so  shall  the  charms  ot  thy  mmd 
add  lustre  to  the  elegance  of  thy  form  ;  and  thy  beau- 
ty, like  the  rose  it  resembles,  shall  retain  its  sweetness 
when  its  bloom  is  withered. 

i  Remember  thou  art  made  man's  reasonable  compan- 
ion, not  the  slave  of  bis  passions.  The  end  of  thy  be- 
ing  is  to  assist  him  in  the  toik  of  life,  to  sooih  him  with 
thy  tenderness,  and  to  recompense  his  care  with  soft 
endearments. 

Who  is  ^he  that  wins  the  lieart  of  man,  that  subdues 
bim  to  love,  and  reigns  in  his  breast  ?  Lo  !  yonder  she 
walks  in  maiden  sweetness,  with  innocence  m  her  mmd, 
and  modesty  on  her  cheek. 

She  is  clothed  with  neatness,  she  is  fed  with  temper- 
ance ;  humility  and  meekness  are  as  a  crown  of  glory 
encircling  her  head.  Decency  is  in  all  her  words,  m 
her  answers  are  mildness  and  truth. 

When  virtue  and  modesty  enlighten  her  charms,  she 
is  beautiful  as  the  stars  of  heaven.  The  imiocence  of 
her  eye  is  like  that  of  the  turtle;  simplicity  and  truth 
dwell  in  her  heart.  . 

She  presides  in  the  house,  and  there  is  peace  ;  she 

commands  with  judgement,  and  is  obeyed.     Siie  arises 

in  the  morning,  she  considers  her  affairs,  and  appoints 

to  her  maidens  their  proper  business. 

The  care  of  bee  family  is  her  delight ;  to  that  she  ajn 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


163 


plies  her  study  ;  and  elegance  with  frugality  is  seen  in 
her  mansion.  The  prudence  of  her  inajiageniem  is  an 
honour  to  her  husband,  and  he  hears  iter  praist  with  a 
secret  delight. 

She  informs  the  minds  of  her  children  with  wisdom; 
she  fashions  their  manners  from  the  example  of  her  own 
goodness.  The  word  of  her  mouth  is  the  law  of  their 
youth,  the  motion  of  her  e\'e  commands  obedience. 

In  prosperity,  she  is  not  pi* lied  up  ;  in  adversity,  she 
heals  the  wounds  of  fortune  with  patience.  The  troub- 
les of  her  husband  are  alleviated  by  her  counsels,  and 
sweetened  by  her  endearments. 

Happy  is  the  man  that  hath  made  her  his  wife  ;  hap- 
py is  the  child  that  calls  her  mother. 

That  such  may  be  thy  happy  lot,  fair  daughter  of 
America,  listen  to  the  directions  of  wisdom,  and  regu- 
late thy  heart  and  life  by  the  principles  of  piety  and 
virtue. 

— ©O^— 

SECTION  LXVIIL 

Words  of  three  syllables  j  accented  on  the  third. 


Ab  sen  tee,n.  a  person  absent 
Ad  ver  tise^  v.  to  give  notice 
As  cer  tain,  v.  to  make  cer- 
tain [cannon 
Can  non  ade,  v.  to  batter  with 
Co  in  cide,  v.  to  agree 
Dis  a  gree,  v.  to  differ 
Dis  ap  pear,  v.  to  vanish 
Dis  be  lieve,  v.  not  to  credit 
Dis  com  mode,  v.  to   put  to 

inconvenience 
Dis  u  nite,  v.  to  separate 
Dom  i  neer,  v.  to  hector,  to 
'     behave  with  insolence 
Ev  er  more,  ad.  always,  for- 
ever 
Fore  or  dazn,  v.  to  determine 

beforehand 
Here  to  fore,  ad.  formerly 
Im  ma  ture,  a.  not  ripe 


Im  po  lite,  a.  rude,  uncivil 
In  com  mode,  v.   to   hinder^ 

embarrass,  disturb 
In  com  plete,  a.  not  perfect 
In  dis  creet,  a.  imprudent 
In  dis  f>ose,  v.  to  make  unfit, 

to  disorder 
In  se  cure,  a.not  secure,unsafe 
In  sin  cere,  a.  deceitful 
In  ter  cede,   v.   to    mediate, 

entreat,  interpose 
In  ter  fere,  v.  to  interpose 
In  ter  line,  v.,  to    write    be- 
tween lines 
In  ter  pose,  v.  to  mediate,  to 

place  between 
Lem  on  ade,  n.  a  mixture  of 

water,  sugar  and  lemons 
Mis  ap  ply,   v     to    apply    H- 

wrong  purposes 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.^* 


164 

Mis  be  have,  v.Vo  behave  im- 
properly 
Mis  be  U'ef,  n.  a  wrong  belief 
Mis  re  port,  «.  a  false  account 
Mori  ga  gee,  ft.  one  who  takes 

a  mortgage 
O  ver  HoWf  V,   to   run  over, 

to  deluge 
O  ver  hear,  v.  to  hear  secret- 
ly or  by  chance 
O  ver  pay,  v.   to   pay   more 

than  the  just  price 
O  ver  prize,  v.  to  value  at  too 

high  a  price 
O  ver  seer,  n.  a  superintend- 
ent [long 
O  ver  sleep,  v.  to  sleep  too 
O  ver  take,  v.   to    come    up 

with,  to  catch 
O  ver  t\\Yow,v.\.o  throw  down, 

defeat,  destroy 

Pat  en  tee,  n.  one  who  has  a 

patent  granted  him     [tinue 

Per  se  vere.v.to  persist,  con- 

Pri  va  teer.  n.  a  ship  of  war 

belonging  to  private  citizens 

Re  as  sume,  v.  to  resume,  to 

take  again  [forces 

Re  en  force,  v.  to  send  new 

Re  in  state,  v.  to  replace  in  a 

former  state 
Re  u  nite,  v.  to  unite  again 
Sub  di  vide,  v.  to  divide  again 
Su  per  fine,  a.  eminently  fine 
Vn  be  lief,  n.   infidelity,  in- 
credulity. 
tJn  dor  go,T;.  to  suffer,  endure 
Un  der  take,  v.  to  engage  in 
Un  fore  seen,  a.   not  known 
before  it  happened 

2 

Ac  qui  escc,  v.  to  yield,  sub- 


Ap  pre  hend,  v.  to  seize,  take 
Co  a  lestc,  V.  to  unite,  join 
Com  pre  hend,  v.  to  under- 
stand, include  [rait 
Con  de  scend,  v.  to  yield,  sub- 
Con  tra  diet,  v.  to  oppose 
Dis  af  feet,  v.  to  fill  with  dis- 
content [nul 
Dis  an  nul,  v.  to  abolish,  an- 
In  cor  rect,  a.  not  correct,  not 

exact 
In  cor  rupt,  a.  pure,  honest 
In  di  rect,  a.  not  straight 
In  dis  tinct,  a.  confused 
In  ter  cept,7;.  to  stop,  obstruct 
In  ter  lapse,  n.  the  time  be- 
tween two  events 
In  ter  mix,  v,  to  mingle,  mix 
In  ter  rupt,  v.  to  hinder,  stop 
O  ver  cast,!),  to  cloud,  darken; 

a.  clouded 
O  ver  head,  ad.  aloft,  above 
O  ver  spread,  v.  to  cover  over 
O  ver  turn,  v.  to  throw  down, 
to  conquer 

0  ver  whelm,  v.  to  crush,  sub- 
due, overpower 

Re  ad  mit,  v.  to  admit  again 
Re  as  cend,  v.  to  climb  up  h- 

gain 
Rec  ol  lect,  v.  to  recover  to 
memory  [new 

Re  com  mence,  c'.  to  begin  a- 
Rec  om  mend,x).  to  commend 
to  another  [new 

Ro  com  mit,  v.  to  commit  a- 
Re  e  led,  v.  to  elect  again 
Re  pos  .sossj-y.  to  possess  again 
lltp  re  A-ent.  v.  to  exhibit ;  to 

appear  for  another 
\Jn  dcr  stand,  v.    to  compre*» 
hend  fully  V 

1  Vi  0  iiu,  n.  a  fiddle 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


16£ 


Mis  in  form,  v.  to  deceive  by 
false  accounts 
6 
Cor  res  pond,  v.  to  suit,  to  fit 

6 
Dis  ap  prove,  v.  to  dislike 
O  ver  do,  v.  to  do  more  than 
enough 

8 

O  ver  come,  r.  to  subdue,  con- 
quer 


9 
Dis  o  bey,  v.  to  break  com- 
mands 
10 
Mag  a  zine,  n.  a  storehouse ; 
a  pamphlet 

oi 

Dis  ap  point,  v.  to  defeat  of 
expectation 

ow 

Dis  al  low,  t'.  to  deny,  reject, 
not  to  grant 


SECTION   LXIX. 

Words  of  four  syllables,  accented  on  the  first. 


A  mi  a  ble,  a.  lovely 

Du  ti  ful  ness,  n.  obedience, 

respect 
Fa  vour  a  ble,  a.  kind,  tender 
For  ci  ble  ness,  n.  violence, 
force  [madly 

Fu  ri  ous  ly,  ad.  violently, 
Hm  mor  ous  ly,  ad.  merrily 
Ju  di  ca  ture,  n.  a  power  to 

distribute  justice 

Lu  mi  na  ry,  n,  a  body  that 

gives  light  [improve 

Me  li  o  rate,  v.  to  make  better. 

Mo  men  ta  ry,  a.  lasting  for 

a  moment 
Pa  per  ma  ker,  n.  one  who 
makes  paper  [country 

Pa  tri  ot  ism,  w.  love  of  one's 
Pre  vi  ous  ly,  ad.  beforehand 
Rea  son  a  ble,  a^  agreeable  to 

reason 
Se  ri  ous  ly,  ad.  solemnly 
3ta  tion  a  ry,  a.  fixed,  settled 
2 

Ac  cu  ra  cy,  n.  exactness 
Ac  cu  rate  ly,  ad.  exactly 
Ad  mi  ra  He,  a.  to  be  admired 
Ad  ver  sa  ry,  n.  antagonist 
Km  i  ca  ble,  a.  friendly,  kind 


An  nu  al  ly,  ad.  every  year 
An  ti  mon  y,  n.  a  mineral  sub- 
stance 
Ap  o  plex  y,  n.  a  disorder  that 
affects  the  brain  [er 

Ap  pli  ca  ble,  a,  suitable,  prop- 
Cal  cu  la  tor,  n.  a  reckoner 
Cat  er  pil  lar,  n.  a  worm,  an 

insect 
Cer  e  mon  y,  n.  outward  rite  ; 

forms  of  civility 
Char  i  ta  ble,  a.  kind,  liberal 
Cred  it  a  ble,  a.  reputable  [al 
Cus  tom  a  ry,  a.  common,  usu- 
Del  i  ca  cy,  n.  softness,  nicety 
Des  pe  rately,  ad.  rashly,  fu- 
riously 
Des  pi  ca  ble,o.  contemptible 
Die  tion  a  ry,  n.  a  book  con- 
taining  the  words   of  any 
language  [ent  manner 

Dif  fer  ent  ly,  ad.  in  a  differ- 
Dif  fi  cul  ty,  n.  trouble 
Ef  fi  ca  cy,  n.  ability  to  effect 
El  e  gant  ly,  ad.  in  a  pleasing 

manner 
En  vi  a  ble,  a.  exciting  envy 
Es  ti  ma  ble,  a.  worthy  of  es' 
teem 


166 


THE  AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Ev  i  dent  ly,at/.plainly, clearly 
Ev  i  ta  ble,  a.  avoidable 
Fash  ion  a  ble,  a.  approved 

by  custom,  fine 
Feb  ru  a  ry,  n.  the  second 

month  of  the  year 
Fig  u  ra  tive,  a.  typical,  not 

literal 
Gen  er  al  ly,  ad.  in  general, 

commonly,  frequently 
Gen  er  ous  ly,  ad.  liberally 
Hab  i  ta  ble,  a.  fit  to  be  in- 
habited 
Ig  no  min  y ,  n.  disgrace,  shame 
Im  pi  ous  ly,  ad.  wickedly 
Im  pu  dent  ly,  ad.  shameful- 
ly, boldly  [lessly 
In  do  lent  ly,  ad.  lazily,  care- 
In  fa  mous  ly,  ad.  vilely 
In  no  cent  ly,  ad.  without  guilt 
In  so  lent  ly,  ad.  haughtily 
In  ter  est  ing,   a.   affecting, 

moving 
In  ti  ma  cy,  n.  close  familiar- 
ity, union  [plexity 
In  tri  ca  cy,  n.  difficulty,  per- 
In  ven  tor  y,  n.  a  list  or  ac- 
count of  separate  articles 
of  goods 
Jan  u  a  ry,  n.  the  first  month 

of  the  year 
Knit  ting  nee  die,  n.  a  wire 

used  to  knit  with 
Lam  ent  a  ble,  a.  mournful 
Lib  er  al  ly,  ad.  generously 
Lit  er  a  ry,  a.  relating  to  let- 
ters or  learning 
Lit  er  a  ture,  n.  learning 
Mag  is  tra  cy,  [g  soft]  n.  the 

office  of  a  magistrate 
Mat  ri  mon  y,  n.  marriage 
Mel  an  chA  y,  n.  gloomuicss ; 
a.  dismal,  gloomy 


Mem  o  ra  ble,  a.  worthy  of  re- 
membrance 
Mer  chant  a  ble,  a.  fit  to  be 
bought  or  sold  [derly 

Mer  ci  ful  ly,  ad.  kindly,  ten-  ^ 
Mil  i  ta  ry,  a.  warlike,  sol- 
dierly 
Mil  lin  er  y,  n.  goods  sold  by 

a  milliner 
Mis  eel  la  ny,  n.  a  collection 

of  various  kinds 
Mis  chief  ma  ker,  n.  one  who 

makes  mischief 
Mis  er  a  ble,  a.  unhappy 
Mis  sion  a  ry,  n.  one  sent  t© 
preach  the  gospel,and  prop- 
agate religion 
Nat  u  ral  ize,[t  liketsh]  v.  to 
admit  to  native  privileges  > 
Nav  i  ga  ble,  a.  passable  foir 

ships  or  boats 
Nee  cs  sa  ry ,  [c  like  s]  a.  need- 
ful, proper  | 
Nee  ro  man  cy,  n.  magick, 

enchantment,  conjuration 
Pal  at  a  ble,  a.  pleasing  to  the 

taste,  agreeable 
Pat  ri  mon  y,  n.  an  estate  pos- 
sessed by  inheritance  [cute 
Pen  e  tra  tive,  a.  piercing,  a- 
Perishable,rt.habletoperish 
Per  ma  nent  ly,  ad.  durably 
Per  se  cu  tor,  n.  one  who  per- 
secutes 
Pet  ti  fog  ger,  [g  hard]  n.  a 

petty  lawyer 
Pit  i  a  ble,  a.  deserving  pity 
Plan  e  ta  ry,  a.  pertaining  to 

the  planets 
I  Pnic  ti  cal  ly,  ad.  by  practice 
I  Prefer  a  ble,  a.  eligible  before 
I      somethiug  else 
1  Prin  ci  pal  ly,  ad^  cliiefly 


THg   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


16? 


Reg  u  lar  ly,  ad.  methodical- 
ly, justly 

Res  o  lute  ly,  ad.  steadily, 
firmly  [riour 

Sec  on  dfi  ry,  a.  second,  infe- 

Sec  re  ta  ry,  n.  one  who  writes 
for  another 

Sem  i  cir  cle,  n>  a  half  circle 

Sem  i  na  ry,  n.  a  place  of  ed- 
ucation 

Sem  i  vow  el,  n.  a  consonant 
which  has  an  imperfect 
sound 

Sep  a  rate  ly,  ad.  singly,  apart 

Ser  vice  a  ble,  a.  useful 

Tes  ti  mon  y,  n.  evidence, 
proof 

Tran  si  tor  y,  a.  continuing 
but  a  short  time 

Ul  ti  mate  ly,  ad.  in  the  last 
state  or  consequence 

Val  u  a  ble,  a.  of  great  price 

Veg  e  ta  ble,  [g  soft]  n.  any 
thing  that  has  growth  with- 
out sensation 

Ven  er  a  ble,    a.  deserving 
reverence 
3 

For  fcit  a  ble,  a.  liable  to  be 
forfeited 

For  mi  da  ble,  a.  terrible, 
dreadful 

Or  di  na  ry,  a.  common,  usual 

Or  tho  dox  y,  n.  soundness  in 
opinion  and  doctrine 

Or  tho  e  py,  71.  the  right  pro- 
nunciation of  words 

Or  tho  e  pist,  n.  one  skilled  in 

pronunciation 
4 

Ar  bi  tra  ry,  a.  absolute,  des- 
potick 

Ar  bi  tra  tor,  it.  a  judge 


Ar  c/ti  tec  t-ure,  [t  like  tsh]  n» 

the  science  of  building 
Mar  ket  a  ble,  a.  fit  for  sale 
at  market 
5 
Com  mis  sa  ry,  n.  a  delegate^ 

deputy,  officer 
Com  mon  al  ty,  n.  the  bulk 
or  body  of  the  people       ' 
Com  pli  men  ter,  n.  a  flatterer 
Hon  ovLV  a  ble,  a.  illustrious, 
noble,  generous  [ness 

Hor  ri  ble  ness,  n.  dreadful- 
Hos  pi  ta  ble,  a.  kind  to  stran- 
gers, friendly,  civil 
Mod  er  ate  ly,    ad.   mildly, 

temperately 
Nom  i  na  tive,  a.  the  first  case 

in  grammar 
Ob  sti  na  cy,  n.  stubbornness 
Oc  cu  pan  cy,  n.  the  act  of  ta- 
king possession 
Oc  cu  pi  er,  n.  a  possessor 
Or  a  tor  y,  n.  die  science  of 

rhetorick,  eloquence 
Pos  i  i\\e  ly,  ad.  absolutely 
Prof  it  a  ble,  a.  advantageous 
Prom  is  sor  y,  a.  containing  a 
promise  [cape 

Prom  on  tor  y,  n.  a  headland, 
Sol  i  ta  ry,  a.  retired,  single, 

dismal 
Tol  er  a  ble,  a.  supportable, 
passable 

8 

Com  fort  a  ble,  a.  receiving 

comfort,  pleasing 
Cov  e  tons  ness,  n.  avarice, 

greediness,  eagei   desire 
Drom  e  da  ry,  n.  a   sort  of 

camei 
Gov  ern  a  ble,  a.  subject  to 

rule,  manageable,  mild 


168  THE   A\rERICA-N    INSTRUCTER. 

SECTION  LXX. 

Agriculture. 

Agricitltijke,  or  husbandry,  is  the  art  of  cultiva- 
ting; or  tilling  the  ground,  so  that  it  may  produce,  in  the 
greatest  abundance  and  perfection,  those  vegetable  pro- 
ductions which  are  necessary  for  the  food,  comfort  and 
convenience  of  mankind. 

In  a  country  like  the  United  States,  where  by  far  the 
greater  part  of  the  inliabitants  are  devoted  to  agricul- 
tural pursuits,  it  must  be  considered  an  object  that  mer- 
its particular  regard. 

It  is  from  the  hand  of  agriculture,  that  manufactures 
and  commerce,  and  indeed  every  other  branch  of  indus- 
try, receive  their  support.  The  cultivation  of  the  earth 
may  therefore  be  considered  as  the  most  useful  and 
laudable  of  all  pursuits. 

Here,  as  in  some  other  countries,  we  have  many  ex- 
amples of  distinguished  individuals,  who  have  left  the 
seat  of  power,  the  theatre  of  political  action,  and  the 
spleridoar  and  opulence  of  cities,  that  they  might  enjoy 
the  p'<-asure  of  cultivating  their  native  fields. 

The  pursuits  of  agriculture  are  connected  with  that 
love  of  country,  which  may  be  called  a  universal  passion. 
The  diarm.s  of  nature  are  here  fully  displayed,  and  ev- 
ery mind  which  is  not  debased  by  virious  habits,  or  en- 
slaved by  irregular  desires,  is  eager  to  eujoy  them. 

A  principle  so  universally  fell,  has  never  failed  to  call 
forth  the  powers  of  genius ;  and  writers  of  all  age?  liave 
-expatiated  on  rural  scenes  and  occupations,  with  the 
most  lively  satisfaction. 

llycvy  poci  more  erpeciplly  claims  the  country  as  his 
peculir.r  province;  from  it  hr  '1.>-n''os  the  most  beauti- 
ful aiul  striking  de.scriptiims,  -;=.b>eri  r.o  represent 
those  various  ('rospects  of  u A..  ..:(ich  are  so  highly 
gratifying  to  every  ingenious  mivid. 

Agriculture  is  not  o>dy  essential  to  tlie  good  «jrder  of 
society,  in  a\udeond  rupolished  state,  but  is  equally  re- 
qViisite  in  every  stage  of  !ts  r'^linem'nit.  As  an  incitemenl 
to  its  constavjt  and  uniform  })<  rsuit,it  ropaysthe  exertions 
of  the  husbandman  :with  regular  and  abundant  returns. 


THE  AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER.  109 

Fvom  the  remotest  ag<^s,  it  has  been  esteeraea  wortiijiF 
©f  general  attention.  The  simplicity  of  ancient  man- 
ners, rendered  it  an  object  not  inconsistent  with  the  rank 
and  situation  of  persons  of  the  greatest  eminence.   • 

Gideon,  the  renowned  champion  and  judge  of  Israel, 
quitted  the  thrashing-floor  to  preside  in  the  publick  as- 
sembly of  his  countrymen ;  and  Cincinnatus,  the  con- 
querer  of  the  Volsci,  left  his  plough  to  lead  the  Roman 
armies  to  battle ;  afterwards  declined  the  reward  gained 
by  his  victories,  to  return  to  his  native  fields. 

And  in  modern  times  this  occupation  has  been  held 
in  no  less  esteem.  There  are  not  wanting  those  among 
the  English  nobility,  who  take  a  lively  interest  in  all  ru- 
ral improvements,  and  preside  at  the  annual  meetings  of 
agriculturists,  with  no  less  reputation  to  themselves, 
than  beneficial  to  the  art. 

Washington,  the  late  celebrated  president  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  of  America,  found  the  most  pleasing  relaxa- 
tion of  publick  cares  in  the  superintendence  of  his  own 
estate. 

The  emperor  of  China,  at  the  begimiing  of  every 
spring,  goes  to  plough  in  person,  attended  by  the  prin- 
ces and  grandees  of  his  empire :  lie  celebrates  the  close 
of  the  harvest  amoiig  his  subjects,  and  creates  the  best 
farmer  in  his  dominion  a  mandarin. 

In  various- ages,  maiiy  have  v.ritten  to  cxplaip  the 
principles,  and  celebrate  the  excellences  of  this  art. 
Some  have  adorned  it  with  the  elegance  of  fancy,  and 
othei«  have  methodised  it  with  the  precision  qf  rules. 

Hesiod  was  one  of  the  earliest  of  the  Grecian  poets, 
to  sing  the  praises  of  the  plough  ;  and  in  a  v.ork  nearly 
coeval  with  the  Ili?id  itself,  has  combined  with  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  art,  many  curious  observations  on  the  sea- 
sons most  prv>pitious  to  its  v^nnous  einploymcnts. 

At  a  period  of  society  when  its  advantages  were  bet- 
ter understood,  and  its  practice  more  generally  diffused, 
Xenophon  expatiated  in  Isis  econornicks,  on  the  impor- 
tance of  agriculture,  and  desci'ibes  its  influence  on  the 
prosperity  of  the  arts,  and  the  advancement  of  civilization. 
Virgil  has  described  at  large,  the  rural  occupations 

15  4 


170  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER." 

of  his  countrymen,  the  cuhivation  of  the  land,  the  season 
most  favourable  for  tillage,  and  the  nature  of  grazing 
and  planting.  He  has  adorned  every  branch  of  his  sub- 
ject witlfcrefined  and  striking  beauties  of  composition ; 
and  has  so  fully  collected  the  best  observations,  and 
choicest  maxims  of  antiquity,  as  to  render  it  almost  a  su- 
perfluous task  to  consult  the  works  of  other  authors,  rel- 
ative to  the  progress  which  his?  predecessors  had  made 
in  this  subject. 

— «<®^— 
SECTION  LXXI. 

Extract  from   a    Poem,  entitled,   '«  Agriculture,    or^ 
Happy  American  Fnrmer^^ 

Then  murmur  not  at  Heaven's  fix'd  decree; 
But  as  you're  happy,  so  conteiitcci  bi;  ;    , 
Your  country'll  rise  the  emporium  of  wealth, 
Your  country's  sons,  the  sons  of  peace  ami  health. 

Hail  blest  Columbia  !  whose  delightful  soil 
Repays  with  richest  <jood  the  labourer's  toil  f 
What  dainties  thy  delicious  gardens  yield  ! 
What  rich  supplies  adorning  every  field  ? 

Happy  thy  sons,  around  thy  splouflid  board, 
Who  taste  the  luxuries  which  thy  fields  afford  } 
Our  fathers,  freed  from  dire  oppression's  hand 
Found  an  asylum  in  this  h:ippy  land. 

The  savage  Canaanitcs  have  left  our  soil, 
We  the  true  Israel  taste  the  wino  and  oil ; 
With  milk  and  honoy  our  fair  country  Hows, 
Deserts  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose. 

Thanks  to  the  mercy  of  Ahnighty  llcavun, 
JFor  Washington  to  tliir  (Jolunibia  given  ? 
Our  laws,  of  l'reodon>*s  cIidscm  sons  th;.'  choice, 
Shall  live,  wiiile  iruth  or  reason  lias  a  voice. 

Nature  oonvulsM  our  Conrmenf  may  shake, 
And  earth  and  skies  in  Ci)ii.st<  rnitiou  (juakc  ; 
Yet  still  our  laws  and  liberty  strcure. 
Though  time  and  natun'  die,  shall  firm  endure, 
In  Heaven  the  work  sltill  st.ujd,  like  noontide  Suii, 
SjptUess  as  viftue,  pyre  as  Washington. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUUTER. 


ITI 


SECTION  LXXII. 

Words  of  four  syllables,  accented  on  the  second. 


Ab  bre  vi  ate,  v.  to  shorten 
Ab  ste  mi  ous,  a,  temperate, 
sober  [gether 

Ac  cu  mu  late,  v.  to  pile  to- 
Ad  vi  sa  ble,  a.  prudent  [air 
A  e  ri  al,  a.  belonging  to  the 
A  gree  a  ble,  a.  pleasing 
Al  le  vi  ate,  v.  to  ease 
An  ni  hi  late,  v.  to  reduce  to 
nothing  [ance 

An  nu  i  ty,  n.   yearly  allow- 
Ap  pro  pri  ate,  v.  to  consign 
to  any   particular  use  ;  a. 
peculiar 
Ap  ,pre  ci  ate,  [ci  like  she]  v. 

to  value,  estimate 
As  so  ci  ate,  [ci  like  she]  v. 

to  unit§,  accompany 
den  so  ri  ous,  a.  severe 
Col  le  gi  an,  n.  a  member  of 

college 
Co  me  di  an,  n.  an  actor  of 

comick  parts,  a  player 
Com  mo  di  <?us,  a.   conveni- 
ent, suitable 
Com  mu  ni  cate,  v.  to  impart, 

reveal 
Con  ceit  ed  ness,  n.  pride 
De  ceit  ful  ness,  n.  tendency 
to  deceive  [ness 

De  light  ful  ness,  n.  pleasant- 
De  plo  ra  ble,  a.  lamentable 
De  pre  ci  ate,  [ci  like  she]  v. 

to  lessen  in  value 
De  si  ra  ble,  a.  pleasing,  wor- 
thy of  desire 
De  spi  sa  ble,  a.  mean,  con- 
temptible [ly 
De  spite  ful  ly,  ad.  malicious- 
Dis  grace  ful  ness,«.dishozjour 
E  hi  ci  date,  t\  to  expJain      j 


E  ma  ci  ate,  [ci  like  she]  v.  lo 
lose  flesh,  pine  away,  waste 
En  CO  mi  urn,  n.  praise,eulogy 
E  nu  mer  ate,  v.  to  number 
Er  ro  ne  ous,  a.  full  of  errours 
Ex  cu  Sd  ble,  a.  pardonable 
Ex  pe  ri  encc,  n,  knowledge 

by  practice 
Fe  io  ni  ous,  a.  wicked,  vile 
Fu  ne  re  al,  a.  suiting  a  fu- 
neral, dark,  dismal 
Fu  tu  ri  ty,  n.  time  to  come, 

a  future  state  of  being 
Gram  ma  ri  an,  7i.  one  skilled 

in  grammar 
Har  mo  ni  ous,  a.  musical 
He  ro  j  cal,  a.  brave,  spirited 
His  to  ri  an,  n.    a  writer    of 

history 
II  le  gal  ly,  ad.  in  a  manner 
contrary  to  law  [adorn 
II  lu  mi  nate,  v.  to  enlighten, 
II  lu  sor  y,  a.  deceiving  [ent 
Im  me  di  ate,  a.  instant,  pres- 
Im  mu  ta  ble,  a^  unalterable, 

invariable 
Im  pa  tient  ly,  ad.  uneasily 
Im  pe  ri  al,  a.  royal,  belong- 
ing to  an  emperor 
Ira  pe  ri  ous,  a.  haughty,  arro= 

gant,  lordly 
Im  pi  c  ty,  n.  wickedness,  ir- 
reverence 
Im  pla  ca  ble,  a.    maliciousj 

constant  in  enmity 
Im  pu  ri  ty,  n.  foulness  ;  guilt 
In  ca  pa  ble,  a.  unable,  not  fit 
In  cu  ra  ble,  a.  hopeless,  not 

to  be  cured 
In  de  cen  cy,    n.   any   thing 
contrary  to  good  manners 


J72- 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


In  de  cent  ly,  ad.  without  de- 
cency 

In  fe  ri  our,  n.  one  in  a  lower 
rank  ;  a.  lower  in  place 

In  ge  ni  ous,  a.  witty,  inven- 
tive, acute 

In  glo  ri  ous,  a.  void  of  hon- 
our, mean,  base 

in  hu  man  ly,  ad.  cruelly 

In  ju  ri  ous,  a.  hurtful,  unjust 

In  to  ri  our,  a.  internal 

In  vi  ting  ly,  ad.  in  a  pleas- 
ing or  enticing  manner 

Ir  ra  di  ate,  v.  to  illuminate, 
brighten 

La  bo  ri  ous,  a.  diligent  in 
work,  tiresome 

Li  bra  ri  an,  n.  one  who  has 
the  care  of  a  library 

Ma  te  ri  al,  a.  consisting  of 
matter,  corporeal 

Ma  te  ri  als,  n.  the  substance 
pf  which  any  thing  is  made 

'Ma  tu  ri  ty,  n.  ripeness,  com- 
pletion 

Me  lo  di  ous,  a.  harmonious, 
musical 

Me  mo  ri  al,  n.  a  monument, 
jsomethingto  preserve  me- 
mory 

Mys  te  ri  ous,  a.  that  which 
is  not  easily  understood 

Weu  tral  i  ty,  n.  a  state  of  in- 
difference [known 

No  to   ri   ous,  a.   publickly 

Ob  scu  ri  ty,  n.  darkness,  un- 
noticed state 

Ob  tain  a  ble,  a.  that  which 
may  be  obtained         [rage 

Out  rage  ous  ness,n.  violence, 

Tre  ca  ri  ous,  a.  uncertain 

Pro  pri  e  tor,  n.  a  possessor 
in  hn  own  rigbt 


Pro  pri  e  ty,  n.  accuracy,  just-^ 

ncss  ;  exclusive  right 
Re  mu  ner  ate,  v.  to  reward  : 
Sa  lu  bri  ous,  a.  wholesome. 

healthful 
Sa  lu  bri  ty,  n.  wholesomeness 
Se  cu  ri  ty,  n.  safety,  protec- 
tion 
So  bi-i  e  ty,    n.    temperance, 

calmness 
So    ci    e   ty,  w.   community, 

company,  fraternity 
Un  change  a  ble,  a.  not  to  be 

changed 
Un  du  ti  ful,  a.  disobedient 
Un  ea  si  ness,  n.    trouble, 

perplexity 
Un  ho  li  ness,  n.  impiety 
Va  ri  e  ty,  n.  change,  mixture 

2 
A  bil  i  ty,  n.  power,  capacity 
A  bun  dant  ly,  ad.  in  plenty 
A  cad  e  my,  n.   a  school  of 

liberal  arts  and  sciences 
Ac  ces  si  ble,  a.  that  which 

may  be  approached 
Ad  min  is  ter,  v.  to  give,  to 

supply,  to  p.->rform 
Ad  mis  si  ble,  a.  that  which 

may  be  admitted 
Ad  ver  si  ty,  7i.  misfortune 
Af  fee  tion  ate,  a.  fond, tender 
Af  fin  i  ty,  n.  relation 
A  gil  i  ty,  n.  activity 
A  lae  ri  ty,  n.  cheerfulness 
Am  phib  i  ous,   a.   living   in 
two  elements  fparts 

A  nal  y  sis,  n.  separation  of 
A  nat  o  my,  n.  the  art  of  dis- 
section 
An  t.ig  o  nist,  n.  an  opponent 
A  rith  me  tick,  n.  the  science 
of  computation 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTUOCTER. 


l^ 


^     -     2 

Ar  til  ler  y,  n.-  weapons  for 

^  war,  cannon 
As  cen  den  cy,  n.  superiority 
As  sas  si  nate,  v.  to  murder 
Aux  il  ia  ry,  a.    helping,  aid- 
ing, assisting 
Bar  bar  i  ty,  n.  cruelty 
Be  at  i  tude,  n.  felicity,  hap- 
piness 
Be  nef  i  cence,  71.  generosity, 

active  goodness 
Be  nev  o  lence,  m.  kindness, 

good  will,  charity 
Be  nev  o  lent,  a.  kind,  good 
Ca  lam  i  ty,  n.  misfortune 
Ca  lum  ni  ate,  v.  to  slander 
Ca  pac  i  ty,  [c  like  s]  n.  abili- 
ty, sense,  state,  space,  con- 
dition [very 
Cap  tiv  i  ty,  n.  bondage,  sla- 
Cer  tif  i  cate,  n.  a  testimony 
Cir  cum  fer  ence,  n.  limits  of 

a  circle 
Ci  vil  i  ty,  n.  politeness 
Co  ag  u  late,   v.  to    curdle, 

congeal 
Col  lee  live  ly,  ad.  in  a  body 
Com  mem  o  rate,  v.  to  pre- 
serve the  memory,  to  cele- 
brate 
Com  par  i  son,  71.  an  estinmte 
Coitt  pas  sion  ate,  a.  tender, 

merciful 
Com  pat  i  ble,  a.  consistent 
Com  pet  i  tor,  n.  a  rival,  op- 
ponent 
Con  fed  er  ate,   v.  to  unite, 

league 
Con  sid  er  ate,  a.  thoughtful 
Con  spic  u  ous,  a.  eminent 
Con  spir  a  cy,  n.  a  plot,  law- 
less combination 
Con  tarn  i  nate,  v.  to  defile 
15* 


Con  temp  ti  ble,  a.  base,  de»* 

serving  contempt 
Con  tin  u  al,  a.  incessant 
Con  tin  u  ance,  n.  duration 
De  bil  i  tate,  v.  to  weaken 
De  liv  er  ance,  n.    freedom, 

rescue 
De  liv  er  er,  n.  one  who  de- 
livers, a  preserver 
De  liv  er  y,  n.  release 
De  riv  a  tive,  a.  a  word  den 

ved  from  another 
Dex  tor  i  ly,  n.  activity,  skill 
Di  am  e  ter,  n.  a  line  passing 
through  the  centre  of  a 
circle 
Di  min  u  U\e,  a.  small,  little 
Dis  par  age  nicnt,  n.a  disgrace 
Di  vin  i  t}',  n.  the  Deity  ;  the 

science  of  divine  things  . 
Ef  fee  tn  al,  [t  like  tsh]  «. 

powerful,  eilicacious,  reai 
Em  bar  rass  ment,  n.  perplex- 
ity, entanglement       [mcBJ 
Em  bel  lish  ment,   ?j.   orna- 
Em  phat  i  cal,  a.  forcible 
En  caur  age  mcnt,  «.  incite- 
ment, favour,  support 
E  quiv  a  lent,«,  equal  in  value 
E  rad  i  cate,  v.  to  root  up 
E  stab  lish  ment,   ?i.   settle- 
ment, fixed  state  [tion 
E  ter  ni  ty,  n.  endless  dura- 
E  vac  u   ate,  v.   to   quit,  lo 

empty,  to  make  void 
E  van  ge  list.  n.  a  writer  or 

preacher  of  the  gospel 
E  vap  o  rate,  v.  to  drive  or  fly 

away  in  vapours 
Ex  ec  u  tor,  n.  one  who  per- 
forms the  will  '^f   noiher 
Ex  per  i  ment,  n.  trial  of  any 
thing 


174 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Ex  em  pli  fy,  v.  to  illustrate 
by  example  [largely 

Ex  ten  sive  ly,  ad.  widely, 
Ex  trav  a  gancc,  7i.  waste 
Ex  trav  a  gant,  a.  wasteful 
Ex  trem  i  ty,«.  remotest  parts 
Fa  cil  i  tate,  v.  to  make  easy 
Fa  nat  i  cism,  Ji.  enthusiasm, 

religious  phrensy 
Fa  tal  i  ty,  n.  a  decree  of  fate 
Fe  lie  i  ty,  [c  like  s]  n.  hap- 
piness 
Fes  tiv  i  ty,    n.   joyfulness, 
mirth  [honesty 

Fi  del  i  ty,  n.  faithfulness. 
For  get  ful  ness,  [g  hard]  n. 
loss  of  memory,  careless- 
ness [mony 
For  mal  i  ty,  n.  form,  cere- 
Ffa  tor  ni  ty,  n.  brotherhood, 

society 
Fru  gal  i  ty,  n.  good  husban 

dry,  thrift 
Gen  til  i  ty,  n.   elegance    of 

behaviour,  politeness 
Hi  lar  i  ty,  n.  merriment 
Hu  man  i  ty,  ?i.  benevolence ; 

the  nature  of  man 
Hu    mil    i  ty,  7i.  submission, 

modesty 
I  den  li  cal,  a.  the  same 

I  den  ti  ty,  n.  sameness 

II  lib  er  al.  a.  not  generous 
II  lit  er  ate,  a.  unle;ifned 

II  lus  tri  ous,  a.  noble,  eminent 
Im  mac  u  late,  a.  pure,spotless 
Im  men  si  ty,  n.  unbounded 

greatness,  infinity 
Itti  ped  i  ment,n.  hinderance, 

obstruction 
Im  pen  i  tence,   n.    hardness 

of  heart,    continuance   in 
'    eyil  courses 


Im  pen  i  tent,  a.  obdurate, 
void  of  repentance  [folly 
Im  per  ti  nence,  n.  intrusion, 
Im  pet  u  ous,  [t  like  tsh]  a. 
violent,  vehement  [ment 
Im  pris  on  ment,  n.  confine- 
In  ac  cu  rate,  a.   not  exact. 

not  accurate 
In  ad  e  quate,  a.  defective 
In  an  i  mate,  a.  void  of  life, 

without  animation 
In   clem  en  cy,   n.    severity, 

hardness,  cruelty 
In  cred  i  ble,  a.    no't  to  be 

credited 
In  def  i  nite,  a.  unlimited 
In  del  i  ble,  a.  not  to  be  blot- 
ted out  [cency 
In  del  i  cate,  a.   without  de- 
In  dem  ni  fy,  v.   to    secure 

against  loss  or  penalty 
Id  die  a  tive,  a.  showing, poin- 
ting out,  affirming 
In  different,  a,  unconcerned 
In  dus  tri  ous,  a.  diligent,  la- 
borious [cable 
In  el  e  gant,  a.  mean,  despi- 
»In  el  o  quent,  a.  not  eloquent 
In  fal  li  ble,   a.  incapable  of 

mistake,  certain,  true 
In  fin  i  tive,  a.  unlimited  ;    a 

mood  in  grammar 

In  fin  i   ty,    n.     immensity, 

boundlessness  [fair 

In  gen  u  ous,  a.  open,  candid, 

In  grat  i  tude,  w.  unthankful- 

ness 
In  hab  it   ant,  n.    one   who 

dwells  in  a  place 
In  her  it  ancc,  n.  a  patrimo- 
ny, a  possession 
In  im  i  cal,  a.    hostile,  con- 
trarv.  adverse 


THE  AMlilRTCAN  IN  STRUCT  ER. 


ns 


In  iq  ui  tous,  a.  unjust,  wicked 

In  iq  ui  ty,  ?i.  injustice,  vviciv- 
edness 

In  i  ti  ate,  [in  isli  e  ate]  v. 
to  admit,  to  instruct 

In  san  i  ty,  n.  the  state  of  be- 
ing insane        [ly,  to  instill 

In  sin  u  ate,  v.  to  hint  artful- 

In  t«g  ri  ty,  n.  honesty,  puri- 
ty of  mind 

In  tel  li  gencfi,  n,  notice 

In  tel  li  gent,  a.  knowing, 
skilful 

In  tern  per  anc^.  n.  excess, 
want  of  moderation 

In  teni  per  ate,  a.  immode- 
rate, ungovernable,  drunken 

In  ter  pre  ter,  n.  an  explain- 
er, a  translator 

In  ter  ro  gate,  v.  to  examine 

In  tim  i  date,  v.  to  make  fear- 
ful, to  frighten 

In  ves  ti  gate,  v.  to  search 
out,  explore 

In  vet  er  ate,  a.  obstinate, 
long  established 

In  vig  o  rate,  t'.  to  strength- 
en, to  animate 

In  vis  i  ble,  a.  not  to  be  seen, 
imperceptible 

Ir  reg  u  lar,  a.  deviating  from 
rule,  immethodical 

Ir  res  o  lute,  a.  wavering,  un- 
settled, unsteady 

I  tin  er  ant,  a.  wandering, 
unsettled 

Ju.di  cious  ly,  ad.  wisely 

Li  cen  tious  ness,  n.  a  con- 
tehiptof  just  restraint 

Mag  nan  i  mous,  a.  great  in 
mind,  brave,  heroick 

Mag  nif  i  cence,  n.  grandeur, 
splendour 


Mag  nif  i  cent;  a.  grand, 
splendid 

IMa  lev  o  Ien<e,  7i.  ill  will, 
spite,  hatred 

Ma  lev  o  lent,  a.  ill  disposed 
t')wirds  others 

Ma  li  cions  1}',  ad.  with  an 
intention  of  mischief 

Ma  lip:  nan  cy,  n.  malice,  ma- 
levolence 

Mo  rid  i  an,  7i,  a  line  drawn 
from  north  to  south 

Mi  rac  u  l^us,  a.  wonderful, 
supernatural 

Mis  n\r\n  age  ment,  n.  bad 
management,  ill  conduct 

Mo  ral  i  ty,  7i.  the  doctrine  of 
the  duties  of  life 

Mor  tal  i  ty,  n.  human  nature, 
death,  havock 

Ne  ces  si  ty,  n.  poverty,  want, 
compulsion 

No  bil  i  ty,  «.  persons  of  high 
rank  ;  dignity,  fame 

Non  sen  si  cal,  a.  unmeaning, 
foolish 

Nu  mer  i  cSl,  a.  numeral,  de- 
noting number 

Ob  liv  i  on,  t.  forgetfulness 

Om  nip  o  tence,  n.  almighty 
power 

O  rig  i  nal,  [g  soft]  n.  first 
copy;  a.  primitive 

O  rig  i  nate,  [g  soft]  v.  to  be- 
gin, to  give  rise  to 

Par  tic  u  lar,  a.  singular,  in- 
dividual ;  n.  a  single  in- 
stance or  point 

Pen  in  su  la,  [s  tike  sh]  n.  a 
piece  of  land  almost  sur- 
rounded by  water 

Per  cep  ti  ble,  a.  that  which 
may  be  seeii  or  perceived 


176 


THE  AMERICAiN  INSTRUCTS 


Per  pet  u  al,  [t  \{ke   tsh]   a. 

conrinual 
Per  plex  i  ty,  n.  diflkulty 
Per  spic  u  «us,  a.  clear,  plain 
Phil   an    thro  py,  /?.  love  of 

mankind,  humanity 
Pi  rat  i  cal,  a.  plundering 
Po  et  i  cal,  a.  relating  to  po- 
etry [itl'-ks 
Po  lit  i  cal,  a.  relating  to  pol- 
Pos  ter  i    ty,   n.   succeeding 

generations 
Prac  ti  tion  er,  n.  one  enga- 
ged in  any  art 
Pre  des  ti  nate,  v.  to  decree 

beforehand 
Pre  em  i  nencc,  n.  superiority 
'Pre  em  i  ncnt,  a.     excellent 
above  others  [delay 

Pro  eras  tin  ate,  v.  to  put  off, 
Pro  fes  sion  al,  a.  relating  to 
a  profession  [ment 

Pro  fi  cien  cy,  n.  improve- 
Pro  gres  sive  ly,  ad.  by  a  reg- 
ular course 
Pro  mis  cu  ous,  a.    mingled 
together  [fortune 

Pros  per  i  ty,  it.  success,  good 
Ra  pid  i  ty,  n.  velocity,  swift- 
ness 
Re  al  i  ty,  n.  truth,  certainty 
Re  an  i  male,  v.  to  restore  to 

life,  to  revive 
Re  gen  er  ate,  v.   to  renew, 

to  produce  anew 
Re  pub  li  can,  /i.  a  friend  to 
republican  govornment  ;  o. 
placing  the   government  in 
♦h«!  people 
Re  spec  ta  ble,  a.  deserving 

respect  or  regard 
Re  tal  i  ate,  v.  to  repay,  to 
make  a  roturu 


Ri  die   u   bus,    a.   excitio^ 

laughter,  odd,  mean 
Se  ren  i  ty,  n.  calmness 
So  ver  i  ty,  n.  cruel  treatment 
Si  mil  i  tude,  n.   comparison^ 

likeness 
Sim  plic  i  ty,  [c  like  s]    n, 

plainness,  folly 
Sin  cer  i  ty,  n.  purity  of  mind, 

honesty 
So  lil  o  quy,   n.    a   discourse 
made  by  one  in  solitude  to 
himself  [iness 

Sta  bil  i  ty,  n.  firmness,  stead- 
Stu  pid  i  ty,  n.  dullness,  heav- 
iness of  mind 
Sub  lim  i  ly,  n.  loftiness,  ex- 

celi(>nco 
Su  per  la  live,  a.   expressing 

the  highest  degree 
Si!s  cep  ti  ble,  a.  capable  of 

admitting 
Ter  res  tri  al,  a.  earthly 
Tran  quil  li  ty,   7i.  peace    of 

mind,  stillness 

Ty  ran  ni  cal,  a.  like  a  tyrant 

U  nan  i  mous,  a.  being  of  one 

mind  [mean 

Un  gen  er  ous,  a.  not  liberal, 

Un  lim  it   ed,  a.  having   no 

bounds  [unci>il 

Un  man  ner  ly,  ad.   ill-bred, 

U  til  i  ty,  n.  usefulness,  profit 

Vi  cin  i  ty,  n.  neighbourhood, 

nearness  [olution 

Vi  cis  si  tude,  n.  change,  rev- 

3 
Con  for  ma  ble,  a.  agreeable 
E  nor  mi  ty,  ?».  great  wicked- 
ness 
In  au  Hi  ble,a.not  to  be  heard 
In  cor  po  rate,  v.  to  form  in- 
to oue  body,  to  j  )iu 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTEK. 


in 


Sub  or  di  nate,  a.  inieriour  in 

order 
Un  for  tu  nate,  [t  like  tsh]  a. 
unprosperous,  unlucky 
4 
Im  par  tial  ly,  ad.justly,  with- 
out regard  to  party  or  in- 
terest 
Hard  heart  ed  ness,  n.  cruel- 
ty, want  of  tenderness 
Re  mark  a  ble,  a.  worthy  of 
notice,  odd,  observable 
5 
Ac  com  mo  date,  v.  to  supply 
Ac  com  plish  ment,  n.  com- 
pletion ;  embellishment,  el- 
egance [fession 
Ac  knoiol  edg  ment,  n.  con-- 
A  pol  o  gize,  V.  to  plead  for 
A  pol  o  gy,  n.  an  excuse 
As  ton  ishment,n.amazement 
As  trol  o  gy,  n.  the  art  of  fore- 
telling by  the  stars 
As  tron  o  my,  n.  a  science 
teaching  the  knowledge  of 
the  celestial  bodies 
Au  thor  i  ty,  n.  legal  power 
Bi  ogra  phy,  n.  history  of  lives 
Chro  nol  o  gy,  n.  the  science 

of  computing  time 
Com  mod  i  ty,  n.  an  article 

of  traffick,  goods,  wares 
Con  sol  i  date,  v.  to  harden 
De  spon  den  cy,  ?t.  despair 
Dis  con  so  late,  a.  melancho- 
ly, sad-  [frugality 
E  con  o  my,  n.  management, 
E  mol  u  ment,  n.  profit,  gain 
Em  pov  er  ish,  v.  to  make 
poor  [ness 
E  qual  i  ty,  n.  evenness,  like- 
Ge  og  ra  phy,  n.  a  description 
-     of  the  eartb 


His  tor  i  cal,  a.  pertaining  to 
history 

Hy  poc  rl  sy,  n.  dissimulation 

I  dol  a  try,  n.  the  worship  of 
images 

Im  mod  er  ate,  a.  excessive, 
extravagant 

Im  mod  es  ty,  n.  want  of 
modesty 

Im  pos  si  ble,  a.  that  which 
cannot  be  done 

Im  prob  a  ble,  a.  unlikely 

In  com  pe  tent,  a.  inadequate, 
unsuitable  [ness 

In  con  Stan  cy,   n.  unsteadi- 

In  sol  vea  cy,  n.  inability  to 
pay  debts 

In  tox  i  cate,  v.  to  make  drunk 

Ma  hog  a  ny,  n.  a  valuaWe 
brown  wood  [number 

Ma  jor   i  ty,  n.  the  greater 

Me  thod  i  cal,  a.  regular,  ex- 
act [of  a  country 

Me  trop  o  lis,  n.the  chief  city 

Mi  nor  i  ty,  n.  the  smaller 
number  ;  state  of  being  un- 
der age 

Mo  not  o  ny,  n.  a  want  of  va- 
riety in  cadence 

Or  thog  ra  phy,  n.  the  art  or 
practice  of  spelling 

Phe  nom  e  non,  7i.  an  appear- 
ance in  the  works  of  nature 

Phi  Ids  o  pher,  n.  one  who  is 
skilled  in  philosophy 

Phi  los  o  phy,  n.  knowledge 
moral  or  natural 

Prog  nos  ti  cate,  a.  to  foretell 

Re  spon  si  ble,  a.  answerable 

Sy  non  y  mous,  a.  of  the  sam9- 
signification 

Tau  tol  o  gy,  n.  repetition  «rf 

i     the  same  words 


178  THE  AMEHICAN   instructer. 


5 

The  ol  o  gy,  n.  the  science 
of  divinity 

Thar  raom  e  ter,  n.  an  instru- 
ment for  measuring  the  de- 
grees of  heat  and  cold 

Ty  pog  ra  phy,  n.  the  art  of 
printing 
8 

Ac  com  pa  ny,  t^.  to  join  with 
another 


Re  cov  er  y,    n.    restoratiott 
from  sickness 

oi 

Em  broi  der  y,  n.  variegated 
needle-work 

on 

Ac  coun  ta  ble,  a.  subject  t© 

an  account 
Un  dou6t  cd  ly,  aJ.   without 

doubt,  unquestionably 


^  SECTION  LXXIII. 

The  wisdom  of  Providence  displayed  in  the  Seaso7is. 

In  contemplatiag  on  the  various  scenes  of  life,  the 
vicissitudes  of  the  seasons,  the  perfect  regularity,  order, 
and  harmony  of  nature,  we  cannot  but  be  filled  with 
wonder  and  admiration  at  the  consummate  wisdom  and 
beneficence  of  the  all-wise  and  gracious  Creator.  His 
consummate  wisdom  and  goodness  have  made  the  va- 
rious seasons  of  the  year  perfectly  consonant  to  the  re- 
fined feelings  of  man,  and  peculiarly  adapted  them  t« 
the  universal  preservation  of  nature.  \ 

Dreary  winter  is  past  ;  its  severe  cold  is  mitigated  ; 
the  returning  zephyrs  dissolve  the  fleecy  snow,  and  un- 
lock the  frozen  streams,  which  overflow  the  extensive 
meadows,  and  enrich  the  teeming  earth.  At  length,  the 
rapid  streams  begin  to  glide  gently  within  their  banks ; 
the  spacious  meadows  soon  receive  their  usual  verdure, 
and  the  whole  face  of  nature  assume*;  a  cheerful  aspect. 
By  the  refreshing  showers,  and  vivifying  power  of  the 
genial  sun,  we  behold  the  rapid  and  amazing  progress 
of  vegetation. 

What  is  more  pleasing  to  the  eye,  or  gratefiil  to  the 
imagination,  than  the  agreeable  aiid  delightsome  return 
of  spring  ?  The  beauties  of  nature  at  once  expel  the 
gloomy  cares  of  a  dreary  winter.  The  benign  influence 
of  the  sun  gives  a  brisk  circuhition  to  the  animal  fluids, 
and  happily  tends  to  promote  the  propagation  of  ani^ua- 
ted  nature.  In  spring  we  behold  the  buds  putting  fortli 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  i79 

their  blossoms- ;  in  summer  we  meet  the  charming  pros- 
,pect  of  enamelled  fields,  which  promise  a  rich  profusion 
•f  autumnal  fruits. 

These  delightful  scenes  afford  to  man  a  pleasing  an- 
ticipation of  enjoying-  the  bounties  of  Providence  ,•  they 
cheer  him  in  adversity,and  support  liim  under  the  various 
misfortunes  incident  to  human  hfe.  In  the  spring'^  when 
we  behold  plants  and  floAvers  peeping  out  of  the  ground, 
reviving  and  flourishing  at  the  approach  of  the  vernal 
sun  ;  when  we  bcliold  the  seed,  which  the  laborious  hus- 
bandman casts  into  the  earth, starting  into  life,  and  rising 
into  beauty,  from  the  remainder  of  that  which  perished 
in  the  preceding  autumn,  we  are  filled  widi  the  most 
pleasing  sensations  of  the  universal  reanimation  of  nature. 

The  warm  and  invigoratmg  sun  produces  myriads  of 
insects,  which  have  been  liil'less  through  the  hoary  frosts 
of  winter.  The  herds  go  forth  to  graze  on  the  verdant 
plains.  The  numerous  docks  quit  their  folds  with  their 
young,  to  feed  on  the  distant  aiouniains.  The  lark,  with 
all  the  charming  choir  which  nature  wakes  to  cheerful- 
ness and  love,  tune  their  melodious  voices  to  hail  the 
welcome  return  of  i^pring.  The  busy  bee  Hies  over  the 
fields,  and  extracts  the  Hquid  svv  ef  rs  f:-om  every  tlower. 

How  pleasuig  !  how  wor.dt  '.'ftjl  !  how  delightfi  1  are 
thf  scenes  p'f'^ntc^  to  our  view  !  The  spnngofthe 
year  is  s  '-^"niatical  of  thnt  grtiurl  and  uni- 

~  versp'  -'  •h  shall  co'nmence  at  the  final 

c  May  its  beauties  there- 

f  -    rneriour  regions  of 

b  ,  iH  then  enter,  and 

fort.  a  eiernai  spring. 

.  •&— 
^->N  LXXiV. 
Advice  to  Youth,  on  ^iccent  Behaviour. 

As  learning;',  hoiwur  and  virtue,  are  absolutely  neces- 
sary io  gain  you  the  esteem  and  admiration  of  mankind, 
poiiitaiess  3>)d  (rood  'breeding  are  equally  necessary  to 
make  ycu   Tigteeable  in  convers-ation  and  common  life. 

Awkwardness  can  proceed  but  from  two  causes  ;  ei- 


180  TilE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

ther  from  not  having  kept  good  company,  ot  from  not 
having  attended  to  it.  Attention  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary for  improving  in  behaviour  as  indeed  it  is  for 
ever}^  thing  else. 

Good  breeding  does  not  consist  in  low  bows,  and  for- 
mal ceremonies  ;  but  in  an  easy,  civil  and  respectful 
behaviour  to  every  person,  particularly  to  the  aged, 
and  to  strangers. 

There  is  a  difference  between  modesty  and  bashfnl- 
ness.  Modesty  is  the  characteristick  of  an  amiable 
mind  ;  bashfulness  discovers  a  degi'ee  of  meanness. 
Nothing  is  more  sure  to  sink  a  young  man  into  low 
company,  than  bashfulness. 

If  he  thinks  he  shall  not  please,  he  most  surely  will 
not.  Vice  and  ignorance  are  the  only  things  we  ought 
to  be  ashamed  of;  while  we  keep  clear  of  them,  we 
may  venture  any  where  without  foar  or  concern. 

Always  regard  what  is  said  to  you  by  those  who  are 
your  superiours,  either  in  age  or  learning  ;  and  reply, 
if  necessary,  with  respectful  modesty.  Never  slight 
their  advice,  hut  let  your  looks  and  deportment  indicate 
your  intention  to  endeavour  to  profit  by  tlieir  instructions. 

Wiien  any  person  speaks  to  you,  or  you  to  him,  on 
any  occasion,  look  him  in  the  face  with  juodesty  and  at- 
tention ;  and  bejrin  utit  to  answer  before  he  has  done 
speaking  ;  and  th.;a  answer  respectfully,  and  with  the 
face  turned  towards  him  ;  for  to  reply  with  the  face 
anotlicr  way,  indicates  awkwardness  and  disrespect. 

Be  not  forward  in  speaking,  when  strangers  or  those 
who  ore  your  r/cquaintiince,  come  into  the  pre-ence  of 
your  parent;  or  superiours  ;  hut  wait  until  tiiey  iiave 
spoken  ;  and  let  inodesty  and  decency  g(»vern  your 
words  and  deportment. 

Never  attciopt  to  tell  a  story,  with  whirii  you  are  not 
well  acquainted  ;  nor  fatitjue  your  hearers  with  relating 
littl'^  trifling  cirrumstniv<'s.  Kel.we  the  principal  points 
witii  clearness  and  procision,  and  you  will  he  licard 
with  pleasure. 

Carefully  observe  whither  the  persoii  with  whom  yon 
are  discoursing,  be  pleased  with  your  conversation  or 


THJr  AWEftiCAN   INSTRUCTER.  iSl" 

tJiOt ;  for  if  he  appears  to  hear  you  with  indifference, 
you  had  much  better  be  silent,  and  not  try  to  detaUQ 
him  in  order  to  be  heard. 

Be  studiously  careful  not  to  deserve  the  character  of 
a  great  talker  ;  for  incessant  talkers  are  very  disagree- 
able companions.  The  greatest  wisdom  of  speech  is  to 
know  when,  and  what,  and  where  to  speak  ;  the  time, 
matter  and  manner  ;  the  next  to  it,  is  silence. 

Avoid  disputes  as  much  as  possible  ;  and  never  con- 
tradict, nor  oppose  the  opinion  of  another,  but  with  great 
modesty.  A  modest  person  seldom  fails  of  gaining  the 
good  will  of  those  with  whom  he  converses  :  whereas, 
those  who  contradict,  and  appear  dogmatical  upon  all 
occasions,  will  surely  procure  disgust. 

Carefully  avoid  whispering,  when  you  are  in  compa- 
ny ;  it  is  a  mark  of  ill  breeding,  and  seems  to  insinuate 
that  the  persons  whom  you  wish  should  not  hear,  are 
unworthy  of  your  confidence,  or  it  induces  them  to  sup- 
pose that  you  are  speaking  improperly  of  thein. 

When  you  are  in  company  with  a  stranger,  never  be- 
gin to  question  him  about  his  name,  his  place  of  resi- 
dence, and  his  business.  This  impudent  curiosity  is 
the  height  of  ill  manners. 

Some  persons  apologize,  in  a  good  natured  manner, 
for  their  inquisitiveness  ;  by  an  "  If  I  may  be  so  bold  :" 
V  If  I  may  take  the  liberty  ;"  or,  "  Pray  sir  excuse  my 
freedom."  These  attempts  to  excuse  one's  self,  imply 
that  a  man  thinks  himself  an  impudent  fellow,  and  if  he 
does  not,  other  people  think  he  is,  and  treat  him  as  such. 
Frequent  and  loud  laughter,  is  the  characteristick  oi 
folly  and  ill  manners  ;  it  is  the  manner  in  which  sillv 
people  express  their  joy  at  silly  things. 

Whistling  in  company,  humming  a  tune,  drumming 
with  the  fingers,  and  making  a  noise  with  the  feet,  are 
all  breaches  of  good  manners,  and  indications  of  con- 
tempt for  the  persons  present. 

Nothing  is  more  common,  although  disgusting,  than 

to  see  persons  of  all  ranks  and  degrees,  criticise  on  the 

dress  and  general  deportment  of  their  departed  guests  : 

and  often  ridicule  and  condemn  those  things  behind 

16  •  -.< 


182 


THE   AMERICAN   KNSTRUCTER. 


their  backs,  which  to  their  faces,  they  approved  and 
jipplauded. 

Let  me  entreat  you  never  to  make  your  friends  ap- 
pear in  a  disadvantageous  light  ;  but  on  the  contrary, 
extol  the  perfections  and  accomplishments  they  possess, 
and  cast  a  veil  over  their  defects. 

Above  all,  adhere  to  morals  and  religion  with  im- 
moveable firmness.  Whatever  effect  outward  show  and 
accomplishments  may  have,  in  recommending  a  man  to 
others,  none  but  the  good  are  really  happy  in  tliemselves. 

SECTION   LXXV. 

Words  of  four  syllables,  accented  on  the  third. 
1  1 

Ac  cla  ma  tion,  n.  a  shout  of,  Com  pen  sa  tion,  n.  recom- 

applause  [cusing        pense 

Ac  cu  sa  tion,  n.  the  act  of  ac- ,  Com  pu  ta  tion,  n,  calculation 
Ad  mi  ra  tion,  n.  the  act  of;  Cou  Jem  iia  tion,  n.  seotence 

admiring  [ship  j       of  punishment 

Ad  o  la  tion,  n.  divine  wor-  j  Con  gre  ga  tion,  n.  an  assem- 
Ad  van  ta  gcous,  a.  profitable  j       bly,  a  coUcctioa 
Af  fee  ta  tion,  n.  an  artificial  j  Con  so  la  tiix),  n.  comfort 

Con  stel  1h  tion,  n.  a  cluster 
of  fixed  stars 


appearance 
Af  fi  da  vit,  n.  a  declaration 

upon  oath  [anger 

Ag  gra  va  tion,  n.  exciting  to 
Al  ter  a  tion,  n.  the  act  of 

changing 
An  i   ma  tion,  n.   the  act  of 

enlivening 
An  te  ce  dent,  n.  that  which 

goes  before 
Ap  pel  la  tion, n.  a  name,  title 
Ap  pli  ca  tion,  n.  the   act  of 

applying  [approving 

Ap  pre  ba  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
Ar  bi  tTja  ticn,  n.  a  decision 
Cal  cu  la  tion,  n.    computa- 
tion, reckoning 
Cel  e  bra  tion,  n.  a  solemn 

performance,remembrance 
Com  mem  da  tion,  n.  praise 


Con  sler  na  tion,  n.  fear,  as- 
tonishment, wonder,  dread 

Con  sri  tu  tion,  ./,  a  law,  de- 
cree, form  ofgovermnent ; 
the  frame  of  body  or  mind 

Con  lem  pla  tion,  n.  medita- 
tion, study 

Con  tri  bu  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
conlribuiiiir^         [criscourse 

Con  vi^^jsa  tioii,   ».    familiar 

Cor  pO  ra  tion,  n.  a  ba  ly  cor- 
porate, a  body  politick 

Cul  ti  va  tion,  n.  inii)ro  /ement 

f^ec  la  mation,n.  a  discourse, 
speech,  haiangue 

Dec  la  ra  tion,  n^'jifiirmation, 
publication  [dress 

Oec  o  ra  tion,  n.    ornament, 


■*HK  AiMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 


183 


i>es  o  la  tion,  n.  destruction 

Dis  a  gree  ment,  n-  difference 

Dis  so  lu  tioii,  n.  dissolving, 
ruin 

Ef  fi  ca  cious,  a.  powerful 

El  e  va  tion,  n.  a  raising  up, 
exaltation,  height    [sjMiech 

El  o  cu  tion,  n.   fluency  of 

Em  i  gra  tion,  n.  a  change  of 
habitation  or  place 

En  ter  tain  ment,  n.  treat- 
ment,reception,amusement 

Ex  hor  ta  tion,  n.  an  incite- 
ment to  good 

Ex  pec  ta  tion,  n.  the  act  or 
state  of  expecting        [tion 

Ex  pla  na  tion,  n.  interpreta- 

Gen  er  a  tion,  n.  an  age,  a 
race,  family,  production 

Hab  i  ta  tion,  n.  a  place  of 
abode,  dwelling 

Hes  i  ta  tion,  n.  a  stop  in 
speech,  doubt 

Im  i  ta  tion,  n.  an  attempt  to 
resemble 

Im  pre  ca  tion,  n.  an  invoca- 
tion of  evil,  a  curse 

In  cli  na  tiou,  n.  tendency  to- 
wards any  point,  affection 

In  de  CO  rum,  n.  indecency 

In  di  ca  tion,  n.  a  mark  or 
sign,  token 

In  dig  na  tion,  n.  anger  mix- 
ed with  contempt 

In  flam  ma  tion,  n.  an  inflam- 
ed state,  heat,  swelling 

In  for  ma  lion,  n.  intelligence 
given,  notice,  iiistruction 

Ib  spi  ra  tion,  n.  divine  wis- 
dom ;  the  act  of  drawing 
in  the  breath 

Iq  sti  tu  tion,  n.  an  establish- 
Hseotf  a  law 


1 

In  ti  ma  tion,  n.  a  hmt,  indl-, 
rect  declaration 

la  un  da  tion,  n.  an  overflow 
of  water,  a  deluge 

In  vi  ta  tion,  7i.  the  act  of  in- 
viting, a  bidding 

In  vo  ca  tion,  n.  the   act  of 
calling  upon  by  prayer 

1  /am  en  ta  tion,  7i.  an  expres- 
sion of  sorrow 

Leg  is  la  tion,  [g  soft]  n.  the 
act  of  giving  or  passing  laws 

Lib  er  a  tion,  n.   the   act  of 
setting  free 

Lit  er  a  ti,  7i.  the  learned 

Me  di  a  tor,  n.  an   interces- 
sor, an  adviser 

Med  i  ta  tion,  n.  deep  thought, 
contemplation 

Mis  be  hav  iour,?j.  ill  conduct 

Mod  er  a  tion,  n.  calmness  of 
mind,  mildness 

Nav  i  ga  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
passing  by  water 

Nom  i  na  tion,  n.  a  naming, 
the  power  of  appointing 

Nu  raer  a  tion,  n.  the  art  of 
numbering       [ment,  bond 

Ob  li  ga  tion,  n.  an  engage- 
Ob  ser  va  tion,  n.  a  remark, 
the  act  of  observing 

Oc    cu   pa  tion,  n.   employ- 
ment, business 

Op  er  a  tion,  n.    action,  ef- 
fect, agency  [daining 

Or  di  na  tion,?i.  the  act  of  or- 

Os  ten  ta  tious,  a.    boastful, 
vain,  proud 

Per  se  cu  tion,  n.  the  act   of 
persecuting  [sweating 

Per  spi  ra  tion,  n.  the  act  of 

i  Pop  u  la  tion,  n.  the  number 

I     of  inhabitants 


184 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Prep  a  ra  tion,  ?i,  a  making 

ready  for  some  purpose 
Pres  er  va  tion,  n.  the  act  of 

preserving 
Proc  la  ma  tion,  n.  a  publica- 
tion by  authority,  notice 
Pub  li  ca  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
publishing  [diversion 

Rec  re  a  tion,  n.  amusement, 
Ref  or  ma  tion,  n.   a  change 

from  worse  to  better 
Reg  u  la  tion, «.  method,  rule 
Rep  u  tation,7J.  honour,credit 
Res  o  lu  tion,  n.  fixed  deter- 
mination, constancy 
Res  pi  ra  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
breathing  [restorijig 

Res  ti  tu  tion,  n.   the   act   of 
Rev  o  lu  tion,  n.  a  returning 
\  motion  ;  a  change  of  govern- 
ment in  a  state  or  country 
Sal  u  ta  tion,  is-,  the  act  of  sa- 
luting [disjunction 
Sep  a  ra  tion,  n.    a  parting, 
Stip  u  la  tion,  n.  a  bargain 
Su  per  vi  sor,  n.  an  overseer, 
an  inspector  [end 
Ter  mi  na  tion,  n.  conclusion, 
Trib  u  la  tion,  n.   vexation, 

distress 
Un  der  ta  king,  n.  enterprise, 
engagement  [ation 

Va  ri  a  tion,  n.  change,  devi- 
Yen  er  a  tion,  n.  reverent  re- 
gard, awful  respect 
2 
'  Ap  pre  hen  sion,  n.  fear 
Ar  ti  fi  cial,  a.  made  by  art 
'  Ben  e  die  tion,  n.  blessing 
Ben  e  fac  tor,».  one  who  does 

acts  of  kindness 
'Ben  e  fi  cial, a.  advantageous, 
profitable,  usefuJ 


2    _ 

Com  po  si  tion,  n.  a  mixture ; 

a  written  work 
Com  pre  hen  sive,  a.  having 

the  power  to  understand  ; 

comprising  much 
Def  i  ni  tion,  n.  description 
Dis  ad  van  tage,  n.  loss,  injury 
Dis  con  ton  ted,  a.  uneasy 
Dis  con  tin  ufi,  v.  to  leave  off 
Dis  in  her  it,  v.  to  deprive  of 

inheritance  [dency 

Dis  po  si  tion,  n.  temper ;  ten- 
Er  u  di  tion,  n.  learning,  in.- 

struction 
Ev  er  las  ting,  a.   perpetual, 

lasting  without  end  [tive 
Ex  pe  di  tious,  a.  quick,  ac- 
ini per  fee  tion,  n.   a  defect, 

failure,  fault  [regard 

In  at  ten  tion,  n.  neglect,  dis- 
In  at  ten  tive,  a.  careless,neg- 

ligcnt 
In  con  sis  tent,,  a.  incoijipati- 

ble,  absurd,  contrary  [ly 
In  cor  rect  ly,arf.  inaccurate- 
In  cor  jjpp  tion,  n.  a  state  of 

purity 
In  de  pen  dence,  n.  freedom, 

exemption  from  control 
In  de  pen  dent,  a.   free,  not 

subject  to  control 
In  dis  tinct  ly,  ad.  confusedly 
In  of  fen  sive,  a.  harmless 
In  sur  rec  tion,  n.  rebellion, 

a  seditious  rising 
In  ter  ces  sion,  n.  mediation 
In  ter  ces  sor,  Ji.  a  mediator 
In  ter  mis  sion,  n.  a  pause,  a 

cessation  for  a  time 
In  ter  rup  tion,  n.   obstruc- 
tion, hinderance,  stop 
In  ter  sec  tion,n.a  point  where 

linos  cross  each  other 


THE    AMERFCAN    fNSTUUCTER.  18^ 

2  I  .    ?     . 

In  tro  due  tion,  n.  the  act  of  i  Pol  i  ti  cian,   n.   one  who  is 

conducting  to,  a  preface  |  skilled  in  politicks  [rious 
Mai  e  fac  tor,  w.  a  criminal  Prej  u  di  cial,  a.  hurtful,  inju- 
Man  u  mis  sion,  ii.  the  act  of  1  Pres  i  den  tial,  a.  pertaining 

freeing  slaves,  freedom  to  a  president 

Math  e  mat  icks,  n.  the  sci-    Prov  I  dsn  tial,  a.  effected  by 

ence  of  number  and  measure  |      providence 
Mem  o  ran  dum,  n.  a  note  to  \  Rec  oMec  tion,  n.  recovery  of 

help  the  memory  i    thoughts,  memory    [peating 

Non  ex  is  tence,  n.  state   of  Rep  e  ti  tion,  n.  the  act  of  re- 

not  existing  \  Res  ur  rec  tion,  n.revival  from 

Not  with  stand  ing,  conj.  nev-  j      the  dead 

ertheless,  in  spite  of  I  Sat  is  fac  tion,  n.  the  state  of 

Om  ni  pres  ence,  n.  the  quali-  ;      being  satisfied 

ty    of  being   every  where    Un  der  stand  ing,  n.  intellec^^ 

present  [every  pliiee        tual  powers,  skill 

Om  ni  pres  ent,  a.  present  in    Un  sue  cess  ful,  a.  unlucky. 
Op  po  si  tion,  n.  resistance,  i      not  successful 

a  party  opposing  I  5 

O  ver  val  ue,  v.  to  rate  at  too-   Cor  rcs^  pon  dencc,  n.  inter- 
high  a  price  course,  engagement 
Per  ad  ven  turo,  [t  like  tsh]    Pa  tri  ot  ick,  a.  having  patri' 

ad.  perhaps  '      otism,  noble 

SECTION  LXXVL 

Writing. 

Writing  is  that  art  which  enables  us  to  express  our 
Hieas  by  letters.  It  may  be  considered  as  the  parent 
of  nunnberless  improvements,  and  as  one  of  the  highest 
ornaments  of  social  life. 

It  aflbrds  us  the  means  of  preserving  the  fruits  of  our 
mental  investigations  ;  and  has  presented  us  with  innu- 
merable lessons  of  instruction  from  the  ancient  narra- 
tions of  history. 

To  enumerate  all  the  advantages-  derived  from  alpha- 
betical writing,  would  be  to  range  a  boundless  field  of 
observation,  and  to  trace  the  progress  of  improvements 
from  the  first  use  of  letters  to  the  present  period. 

The  benefits  conferred  on  mankind  by  this  art,  can- 
not be  too  highly  appreciated  ;  since  from  the  simple, 
process  of  writing,  we  can  give  a  faithful  representatiooi 
id* 


'  iB6  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER  « 

of  our  thoughts  and  sentiments,  which  we  can  wrap  up 
and  transmit  to  other  parts  of  the  world  ;  and  by  this 
kmd  of  communication,  keep  up  a  social  hitercourse 
With  our  most  distant  friends. 

The  rudiments  of  the  art  of  writing  are  very  simple. 
Its  advancement  to  its  present  state  of  improvement, 
slow  and  gradual.  In  the  first  use  of  visible  language, 
marks  were  used  as  signs  of  tilings  ;  and  we  can  trace 
it  through  all  its  stages,  from  the  simjjle  picture,  to  the 
arbitrary  work  for  the  elements  of  sound. 

The  writing  of  antiquity,  was  a  species  of  engraving. 
Pillars  and  tables  of  stone  were  first  used  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  afterwards  plates  of  the  softer  metals,  such  as 
lead  ;  or  tables  of  wax,  and  skins  of  parchment.  A  pol- 
ished point  of  iron,  called  the  stylus,  was  used  to  scratch 
letters  on  the  wax  ;  but  the  writing  on  parchment  was 
performed  with  pen  and  ink. 

In  noticing  the  various  methods  of  writing  which  have 
prevailed  in  different  nations,  we  find  that  it  has  been 
customary  for  some  people  to  begin  their  lines  at  the 
right  hand  side  of  the  page,  and  write  towards  the  left : 
•thers  have  extended  their  lines  from  the  top  to  the  bot- 
tom, in  a  perpendicular  manner. 

The  former  was  the  method  pursued  by  the  Hebrews, 
Phenicians,  and  Arabians  ;  and  the  latter  custom  sdll 
prevails  with  the  Chinese.  But  in  modern  times,  the 
most  prevalent  method  is  to  write  from  left  to  right,  as 
practised  by  all  the  civilized  nations  in  Europe  and 
Ajnerica. 

— ♦•^>«" 

SECTION  LXXVIl. 

Oh  snying  too  much. 

The  art  of  holding  the  tongue,  is  quite  as  necessary 
as  the  art  of  speaking  ;  and  in  some  instances,  it  is  even 
more  difficult  to  learn. 

In  a  biographical  notice  of  a  celebrated  speaker  in 
the  British  House  of  Commons,  it  is  remarked,  that 
"  he  never  said  too  much."  This  is,  iiUruth,  a  rare  cona- 
mettdatiou  of  a  publick  speaker. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  185 

One  who  without  circumlocution  or  parade,  comes  to 
the  matter  in  hand  at  once,  aiid  pertinaciously  adheres 
to  it  throughout — who  seizes  on  the  strong  po;nts  in  the 
argument,  and  sets  them  to  view  in  the  clearest  lig-ht-y 
who  says  all  that  is  proper,  and  nothing  more — whose 
every  sentence  strikes  home,  and  who  remembers  "  to' 
leave  off  wiien  he  has  done  :"  such  a  publick  speaker, 
whether  in  the  hall  of  legislation,  in  the  pulpit,  or  at 
the  bar,  will  never  tire  his  hearers. 

Man,  or  even  Woman,  when  enjoying  the  freedom  of 
the  tongue,  and  gifted  with  the  faculty  of  usnig  it  flu- 
ently, is  more  apt  to  say  too  much  than  too  httle. 

When  a  room  full  of  ladies  are  all  speaking  at  the  same 
instant,  only  with  this  difference,  that  some  tune  their 
voices  higher,  and  some  lower — it  is  pretty  clear  that 
they  say  too  much.  But  this  is  tender  gi'ound,  on  which 
I  would  tread  lightly 

They  who  expect  to  be  listened  to  by  every  body, 
but  are  unwilling  themselves  to  listen  %p  any  body — who 
will  hold  you  by  the  sleeve  or  button  if  you  attempt  to 
escape  them,  and  din  you  the  harder,  the  more  you  show 
signs  of  weariness  ;  this  tnbe  of  talkers,  as  all  but  them- 
selves will  readily  admit,  say  too  much. 

Persons  who  have  wit,  or  who  thh}^  they  have  it,  are 
in  particular  hazard  of  saying  too  much.  It  is  one  of 
the  hardest  things  in  the  world  to  make  a  temperate  use 
of  real,  or  of  self^supposed  wit ;  and  more  particularly  of 
the  talent  for  raillery.  And  hence,  many  a  one,  not  ill- 
natured,  and  meaning  nothing^more  than  to  show  off  his 
wit,  multiplies  enemies,  and  sometimes  wounds  his  best 
friends.  To  make  use  of  a  line  in  one  of  Crabbe's  poems, 
*  He  kindles  anger  by  untimch'  jokes." 

They  who  talk  merely  with  intent  to  shine  in  com- 
pany, or  for  the  sake  of  showing  off  to  advantage  their 
own  parts  and  learning,  always  say  too  much. 

The  fond  'pair,  who  entertain  their  visitants  by  the 
hour,  with  setting  forth  the  excellent  qualities  or  smart 
sayings  of  their  own  children,  or  with  ridiculous  details 
of  the  rare  conjugal  affection  that  subsists  between  tliem^ 
selves — say  too  much. 


188  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

Those  who  are  inordinately  fond  of  speaking  in  the 
first  person — J  myself — it  is  more  than  an  even  chance 
that  they  will  say  too  much. 

When  a  young  man  whose  stock  is  small,  is  more 
eager  to  expend  it  in  talking,  than  to  increase  it  by  pa- 
tient listening,  he  is  very  apt  to  say  too  much. 

Old  men  are  prone  to  say  too  much,  when,  getting 
into  the  preterpJuperfect  tense,  they  represent  the  for- 
mer days  as  every  way  better  than  these  :  as  if  the  hu- 
man family,  notwithstanding  the  perpetual  accumula- 
tion of  experience,  were  perpetually  retrograding  in- 
stead of  advancing. 

It  is  seldom  that  men  do  not  say  too  much,  in  their 
convivial  moments.  It  is  then  that  they  are  peculiarly 
apt  to  say  something  which  tiiey  are  sorry  for  on  the 
morrow  ;  for  "  when  wine  is  in,  discretion  is  out." 

I  will  conclude  with  a  caution. — Let  not  him  that 
talketh  not,  despise  him  that  talketh.  There  have  been 
Bomt>  wights  of  the  human  family,  both  male  and  female, 
that  have  obtained  the  reputation  of  abilities  and  wisdom 
by  their  grave  taciturnity — every,  body  thinking  that 
they  could  say  a  great  deal  if  they  would — when,  in  so- 
ber truth,  their  habitual  silence  was  owing  rather  to 
dearth  of  ideas  Oj^to  dulness. 

To  be  humdrum  in  company,  is  as  wide  from  the  true 
mark,  as  to  be  garrulous. 

— ©©©— 
SECTION  LXXVIll. 

Words  of  five  syllables ,  accented  on  the  second. 


\ 

A  gree  a  ble  ness,  n.  the  qual- 
ity of  pleasing  [take 
Er  ro  ne  ous  ly,   ad.  by  mis- 
•Har  mo  ni  ously,arf.musicaHy 
He  ro  i  cal  ly,adf.  courageous- 
ly, bravely,  boldly 
Im  me  di  ate  ly,  ad.   instant- 
ly, at  the  present  time 
•  Tn  ge  ni  ous  ly,  ad.  wittily 
In  nu  mor  a  ble,  a,  not  to  be 
numbered 


I 

In  va  ri  a  ble,  a.  unchangea- 
ble, constant  [bly 

In  va  ri  a  bly,  ad.  unchangea- 

In  vi  o  lu  ble,«.  not  to  be  bro- 
Jken  ur  profaned 

Un  rea  son  a  ble,  a.  unjust, 
not  agreeable  to  reason 

2 

Af  fee  tion  ate  ly,  ad.  fondly 
Con  fed  er  a  cy,  n.  a  leaguCj. 
bond,  union 


fTHE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER." 


189 


Con  sid  er  a  ble,  a.  worthy  of 
regard,  important       [ness 

Con  temp  ti  ble  ness,  n.  vile- 
Con  spic  u  ous  ness,  n.  clear- 
ness, fame,  renown   [pause 

Con  tin  u  al  ly,  ad.  without 

De  ter  min  ate  ly,  ad.  reso- 
lutely 

Em  phat  i  cal  !y,  ad.  forcibly 

Ex  ception  able,  a.  liable  to 
some  objection 

Ex  trav  a  gant  ly,arf.wasteful- 
ly,in  an  unreasonable  degree 

Gram  mati  cal  ly,  ad.  accord- 
ing to  the  rules  of  grammar 

II  lus  tri  ous  ness,  n.  grand- 
eur, eminence 

im  pen  i  tent  ly,  ad.  without 
repentance 

Im  per  isb  a  ble,  a.  not  liable 
to  decay  or  perish 

Im  prac  ti  ca  ble,  a.  unattain- 
able, impossible 

In  ac  cu  ra  cy,  ».  a  defect,, 
want  of  exactness 

In  ap  pli  cable,  a.  that  cannot 
be  applied 

In  def  i  nite  ly,  ad.  in  an  un- 
limited manner  [caey 

In  del  i  ca  cy,  n.  want  of  deli- 

In  dus  tri  ous  \y,ad.  diligently 

In  ev  i  ta  ble,  a.  unavoidable 

In  gen  u  ous  ly,  ad.  openly, 
candidly,  freely 

In  im  i  ta  ble,  a.  not  to  be  im- 
itated or  copied,  very  fine 

In  se;.'  a  ra  ble,  a.  united  so 
as  not  to  be  parted 

In  suffer  a  ble,  a.  intolerable, 

,  detestable 

In  tel  li  gi  ble,  a.  easUy  un- 
derstood [plainly 

I«  tcl  U  gi  bly,  ad.  clearly, 


In  tem  per  ate  ly,  ad.  exces- 
sively 

In  ten  tion  al  ly,  ad.  by  de- 
sign, with  fixed  choice 

In  val  u  a  ble,  a.  very  valua- 
ble, inestimable 

Ir  reg  u  lar  ly,  ad.  in  an  ir- 
regular manner 

Mag  nan  i  mous  ly,  ad.  brave- 
ly, courageously 

Mag  nif  i  cent  ly,  ad.  pom- 
pously, splendidly 

Ma  jes  ti  cal  ly,  ad.  with  dig- 
nity, with  grandeur      [will 

Ma  lev  o  lent  ly,  ad.  with  ill 

Par  tic  u  lar  ly,  ad.  distinctly, 
singly 

Per  pet  u  al  ly,[tlike  tsh]  ad^ 
continually     [introductory' 

Pre  lim  i  na  ry,  a.  previous, 

Pre  swvap  tu  ous  ly,  [  t  like 
tsh]  arf.  haughtily,  proudly 

Pre  snvap  tu  ous  ness,  [  t  like 
tsh]  n.  rashness,  excess  of 
confidence 

Pro  mis  cu  ous  ly,  ad.  indis- 
criminately, confusedly 

Re  pub  li  can  \$m,  n.  attach- 
ment to  a  republican  govr 
ernnient 

Un  char  i  ta  ble,    a.  unkmd^ 
having  no  charity 
3 

Un  al  ter  a  ble,  a.  incapable 
of  being  altered 

5 

A  bom  1  na  ble,  a.  hateful,  de- 
testable 

De  pos  i  tor  y ,n.  a  place  where 
things  are  lodged 

Dis  hon  our  a  ble,  a.  shame- 
ful, reproachful      [history 

His  tor  i  cal  ly,  ad.  by  wny  of 


190 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Im  mod  er  ate  ly,  ad.  in  an 
excessive  degree 

In  com  pe  ten  cy,  n.  inability 

In  com  pe  tent  ly,  ad.  unsuit- 
ably 

In  hos  pi  ta  ble,  a.  unfeeling, 
unkind  to  stranecrs 

In  tol  er  a  ble,  a.  insufferable, 
very  bad,  vile 


In  vol  uu  ta  ry,  a.  not  done 
willingly 

Me  thod  i  cal  ly,  ad.  accor- 
ding to  nicthod,  exactly 

Un  prof  i  ta  ble,  a.   useless, 
Vain 
8 

Un  com  for  ta  ble,  a.  misera- 
ble, dismal,  gloomy 


— qO^- 
SECTION    LXXIX. 

Words  of  five  syllablifS.  accented  on  the  third. 
■     ■        1  j'  1 

As  si  du  i  ty,  n.  diligence  In  sup  por  ta  ble,  a.  not  to  be 

Cer  e  mo  ni  al,  a.  formal,  ob- 1      endured 

servant  of  old  forms  !  Ir  re  du  ci  ble,  a.  that  which 

Con  sti   tu  tion  al,  a.  legal,  \      cannot  be  reduced 

consistent   with  the  consti-  j  Mat  ri  mo  ni  al,    a.    nuptial, 

tution  pertaining  to  marriage 

Dis  a  gree  a  ble,  a.  unpleasant  i  Mer  i  to  ri  ous,  a.   deserving 
Ex  com  mu  ni  cate,  v.  to  ex-  j      of  reward  or  honour 

elude,  expel,  put  out  [cutes  '  Mis  eel  la  ne  ous,  a.  mingled, 
Ex  e  cu  tion  er,  n.  hetiiat  exe- 1      composed  of  various  kinds 
Im  ma  te  ri  al,  a.  unimportant  I  Op  por  tu  ni  ty,  n.  a  fit  place, 
Im  ma  tu  ri  ty,  n.  unripeness  j      time,  convenience 
Im  me  mo  ri  al,   a.  past    the    Pat  ri  mo  ni  al,  'a.  derived  by 

time  of  memory  |      inheritance  [plainness 

Im  pro  pri  e  ty,  n.  unfitness    ^  Per  spi  cu  i  ty,    n.  clearness. 
In  com  m-o  di  ous,  a.  inconve-  i  Rev  o  lu  tion  ist,  7i.  one  en- 

nient,  unsuitable  g^ged  in  a  revolution  [plus 

In  con  cei  va  ble,  a.  incom-   Su  per  flu  i  ty,7i.  excess,  over- 

prehensible  |  2 

lu  ere  du  li  ty,  n.  hardness  of  |  Af  fa  bil  i  ty,  n.  civility 

belief  [excused  !  An  ni  ver  sa  ry,  m.   a  yearly 

In  ex  cu  sa  bio,    a.  not  to  be  '      festival  [round 

In  ex  pe  ri  enrc,    m.  want   of  (/ir  cum  nav  i  gate,  v.  to  sail 


experimental  knowledge 
In  gc  nu  i  ty,  71.  wit,    genius, 

acuteness  [cal 

Uu  har  mo  ni  ous,  a.  unniusi- 
Iti  Stan  ta  ne  ous,  a.  done  in 

&a  instant,  immediate 


Com  pre  hen  sivc  ness,  n.  the 
quality  of  containing  much 
in  f<.'w  words 

Dis  a  bil  i  ty,  n.  weakness, 
want  of  power  [ing 

Du  I  a  bil  i  ty,  n,  power  of  last-^ 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER 


191 


Ev  an  gel  i  cal,  a.  agreeable 
to  gosptl,  divine 

Ge  ne  al  o  gy,  n.  history  of 
family  descendants 

Gen  er  al  i  ty,  n.  the  main 
body,  most  part 

Kos  pi  tai  i  ty,  n.  liberality  in 
entertainments ;  the  prac- 
tice of  entertaining  stran- 
gers - 

Hyp  o  crit  i  cal,  a.  insincere, 
false,  dissembling 

Im  mo  ral  i  ty,  n.  want  of  vir- 
tue [from  death 

Iro  mor  tal  i  ty,  n.  exempli  jn 

Im  per  cep  li  ble,  a,  not  to  be 
perceived 

In  a  bil  i  ty,  n.  want  of  pow- 
er, weakness 

In  ac  tiv  i  ty,  n.  idleness 

In  com  bus  ti  ble,  a.  not  to  be 
consumed  by  hre 

In  com  passion  ate,  a.  void  of 
pity,  cruel 

In  com  pat  i  ble,  a.  inconsis- 
tent [ihui.ghtiess 

In  con  sid  er  ate,  .7.  careless, 

In  con  sis  w.v.  cy,  /  di-^r^grae- 
meiit,  absmdity,  coiUrcidic- 
m.-x  [ly 

In  con  SIS  tent  \y^ad.  absu"d- 

In  dis  f.rim  i  c-jte,  «.  undis- 
tir!>i^uisbf!d,  co)''!  'Sod 

In  d'.s  pen-sa  ble,  a.  necessa- 
ry, not  tvi  Ug  spared 

In  dl  VI5  i  ble,  a.  that  which 
c::;  :   '  !^e  divided       «v 

In  el '  '-n  A,  [t  like  tsh]  a. 
wiih;>ut  power,  weak 

In  ex  pres  si  ble,  a.  not  to  bo 
desrribf^d,  unutter^ible 

In  hu  man  i  ty,  n.  cruelty, 
barbarity 


In  of  fen  sive  ly,  ad.  without 

harm 
In  sig  nif  i  cance,  n.  unimpor- 
tance, want  of  meaning 
In  sig  nif  i  cant,<2. unimportant 
In  tel  lee  tu  al,  [t  hke  tshj  a. 
relating  to  the  understanding 
In  tre   pid   i  ty,  n.  fearless- 
ness, courage,  bravery 
In  tro  due  tor  y,  a,  previous, 
preparatory  to    something 
else 
Ir  re  sis  ti  ble,  a.  that  which 

canni/t  be  resisted 
Lib  er  al  i  ty,    n.  generosity, 

kindness 
Mag  na  nun  i  ty,  n.  greatness 

of  mind,  bravery 
Min  er  al  o  gy,  n.the  doctrine 
of  minerals  [spelled 

Or  tho  graph  i  cal,  a.  rightly 
I  Per  pen  die  u  lar,  n  any  th'ng 
directly  upright      [of  right 
j  P^au  s'l  bil  i  ty,  n.  appearance 
Pop  u  iai"  i  ty.  n  the  favour  or 
;      love  of  iiie  people 
Pos  si  bU  i  ty.  ■a.   the  state  of 
I      being  possible 
j  Pr(.b  a  bil  i  ty,  n.  likelihood 
Prod   i    gai  i  ty,  n.  extrava- 
i      gance,  w.'iste 
I  Punc  tu  al  i  ty,  f#like  tsh]  n. 
exacmess,  nicety 
Reg  n  l?ri  ty,  n.  order,  meth- 
od, exactness 
Rep  re  sent  a  tive,  n.  a  substi- 

luve  in  po.ver,  a  deputy 
Sen  si  bil  i  ty,  n.  quickness  of 

sensation 
Sim  i  lar  i  ty,  n,  likeness,  re- 
semblance 
Su  per  ex  eel  lent,  a.  uncom- 
\^     monly  excellent 


192 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


Su  per  nat  u  ral,  [t  like  tsli] 
a.  above  the  powers  of  na- 
ture [ly 

Un  ex  pec  ted  ly,  ad.  sudden- 

U  ni  ver  si  ty,    /?.  a    general 
scJiool  of  liberal  arts 
3 

In  con  for  mi  ty,  n.  incompli- 
ance 

U  ni  for  mi  ty,  n.  sameness, 
rest'mblanco 


Ec  o  nom  i  cal,a.saviDg,  pru- 
dent, frugal 

Et  y  mol  o  gy,  n.  the  deriva- 
tion of  words  . 

(jcn  er  os  i  ty,  n.  liberality 

Tin  me  thod  i  cal,    a.  irregu-|L. 
lar,  confused 

In  e  (jual  i  ty,  n.  unevenness 

Lex  i  cog  ra  pher,  n.   writer 
of  a  dictionary 

Trig  o  nom  e  try,n,  the  art  of 
measuring  triangles 

c,  [removed 

Ir  re  move  a  ble,  a.  not  to  be 


Un  a  void  a  ble,  a.  inevitable, 
not  to  be  shunned 


An  i  nios  i  ty,  n.  hgtrod 
Ar  is  toe  ra  c}',   n.  a  govern 

ment  by  nobles 
Cu  ri  OS  i  ty,  n.  iiiceness,  in 

quisitiveness 

SECTION  LXXX. 

What  is  Time  9 
I  ask'd  an  aged  man,  a  man  of  carc<». 
Wrinkled  uud  curv'd,  and  white  with  hoary  hairs, 
"  Time  is  the  warp  of  life,"  he  said — "  O  tell 
The  young,  the  fair,  the  gay,  to  weave  it  well." 

I  ask'd  the  ancient,  venerable  dead, 
Sages  who  wrote,  and  warriours  who  bled  : 
JF^rom  the  cold  grave  a  hollow  murmur  flow'd, 
"  Time  sow'd  the  seeds  we  reap  in  this  abode." 

.        •!  ask'd  a  dying  sinner,  ere  the  stroke 

Of  rutllfc-ss  dc.ith,  life's  golden  bowl  had  broke, 
I  ask'd  him  what  is  time — "  Time,"  he  replied, 
"  I've  lost  it,  ah !  the  treasure  ;"  and  he  died. 

I  ask'd  the  golden  sun  and  silver  spheres, 
Those  blight  chronometers  of  days  and  years. 
They  ansu-or'd,  "  Time  is  Ijut  a  meteor's  glare," 
And  bade  me  for  eternity  prepare. 

I  ask'd  the  seasons  in  their  annual  round, 

Which  beautify  or  desolate  the  ground  ; 

And  tfif.)/  replied,  (no  oracle  more  wise,) 

"  'Tis  folly's  bUnk,  and  wisdom's  highest  prize." 


THE   AMERICAN    IN3TRUCTER,  \9$, 

Of  things  inanimate,  my  dial  I 
Consulted,  and  it  made  me  this  reply — 
"  Time  is  the  season  fair,  of  living  well, 
The  path  to  glory,  or  the  path  to  hell." 

I  ask'd  the  Bible,  and  methinks  it  said, 
"  Time  is  the  present  hour,  the  past  is  fled  5 
Live — live  to  day  !  to-morrow  never  yet 
On  any  human  being  rose  or  set." 
— «©^— 
S3ECTI0N  LXXXI. 
Youth. 
What  is  youth  like  ?  'tis  like  a  flower 
That  opens  to  the  morning  sun, 
That's  lovely  to  tbe  eye  an  hour, 
When  lo,  its  blushing  beauty's  gone. 

'Tis  like  a  dream,  when  fancy  reigns.. 
And  spreads  her  airy  mantle  round, 
Imagination  rules  the  brains, 
And  judgement  lies  in  Sleep  profound. 

'Tis  like  a  fragile  bark  when  tost, 
High  bounding  o'er  the  restless  wave, 
That^s  in  a  moment  wrerJi'd  and  lost 
Forever  in  a  watery  grave. 

'Tis  like  the  spring  when  verdure  yields 
A  pleasing  prospect  to  the  eye. 
When  vestments,  through  a  th-  usand  fields, 
Lose,  by  summer  suns,  their  die. 

'Tis  like  the  infant  ice  laid  o'er 
The  peaceful  bosom  of  the  Ir.ke, 
Where  boys,  adventurous  from  the  shorCj 
Their  sudden,  woful  exit  make. 

'Tis  like  a  faithless  promise'  lure. 
Which  prospect  p:auts  to  fancy's  eye., 
And  renders  di;  pruintment  sure. 
Which  leaves  th.e  lamp  of  hope  to  die. 

'Tis  like  the  falling  snow,  you've  sejen 
Desceftd^'g  iVora its  frozen  store, 
It 


194  '■■      THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCVEft. 

\Vlien  driven  on  the  running  stream,  , 

It  disappears,  is  seen  no  more. 

'Tis  Viko  those  varying  colours  bright, 
Reflected  from  an  ev'ning  cloud, 
Which,  fading  at  the  approach  of  night. 
Are  mantled  in  a  murky  shroud. 

SECTION  LXXXII. 

Night, 

The  sun  goes  down,  he  sinks  in  western  skies, 
Daikness  prevails,  and  now  tlie  twilight  dies. 
Now  twinkling  stars  unmeasur'd  space  look  through, 
Our  thoughts  invite  beyond  the  etliereal  blue. 

The  silver  moon,  from  ocean's  rolling  trdsy 
Comes  forth  to  rule,  extends  her  sceptre  wide  ; 
O'er  forests,  hills  and  dales,  her  placid  ray 
Delights  to^ wander  till  returning  day. 

Well,  I  remember,  when  in  tender  years. 
My  ev'ning  walks,  quite  free  from  worldly  cares, 
With  pleasure  I  beheld  with  eager  eye. 
Those  gems  of  light  revolving  through  the  sky. 

By  the  kind  moon's  most  calm,  unclouded  light, 
I  walk'd  o'er  brooks  and  rivulets  by  night  ; 
•    Her  mild,  her  placid  face  I  oft  have  seen 
■    Well  pleas'd  reflected  from  the  gurgling  stream. 

But  night's  the  time  for  rest  and  calm  lopose, 
When  cares  subside,  and  toil  and  labour  close  ; 
When  sleep  his  dreamless  curlain  spreads  around, 
And  locks  us  fast  in  thoughtlessness  profound. 

Such  maybe  death,  wlien  life's  short  race  is  run. 
Its  hours  past,  and  sinks  its  ev'ning  sun  ; 
No  twinkling  star  shall  liglit  the  silent  tomb, 
Nor  moon's  soft  beam  disturb  the  dreary  gloom. 

As  we  retire  to  sleep,  in  hope  to  rise, 
When  Sol's  bright  beams  sh:dl  blush  in  (^astern  skies, 
Immortal  hope  shall  cheer  nu-  latest  breath, 
Expecting  day  beyond  the  nijjht  of  death. 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER 


19S 


SECTION 

Words  of  Jive  syllables, 
1 

A.b  bre  vi  a  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
shortening 

A  bom  i  na  tion,    n.    hatred, 
pollution 

A-c  com  mo  da  tion,  n.   con- 
venience 

Ad  min  is  tra  tion,??.  the  act 
of  administering 

Ad  min  is  tra  tor,  n.  a  man 
that  administers 

Ad  min  is  tra  trix,  ft.    a  wo- 
man that  administers 

Al  le  vi  a  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
making  light 

Ap  pro  pri  a  tion,  ii.  applica- 
tion to  spme  particular  use 

Ar  tic  u  la  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
forming  words 

Ca  lum  ni  a  tion,  n.  a  false 
report,  slander 

Civ  il  i  za  tion,  n.  the  state  of 
being  civilized,  politeness 

Clar  i  fi  ca  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
making  clear 

Co  ag  u  ia  tion,  n.  the  act  of, 
or  body  formed  by  curdling 

Con  fed  er  a  tion,n.  close  al- 
liance, league 

Con  sid  er  a  tion,  n.   serious 
thought,  regard,  prudence 

De  ter  mi  na  tion,  n.  conclu- 
sion, resolution,  decision 

Dis  ap  pro   ba   tion,  71.  cen- 
sure, condemnation 

Ed  i  fi  ca  tion,   w.    improve- 
ment, instruction 

E  lu  ci  da  tion,  n.  explanation 

E  nu  mer  a  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
numbering  or  counting  over 

For  ti  fi  ca  tion,  n.    a  niace 
built  for  defence 


LXXXIII. 

accented  on  the  fourth. 
1 

Grat  i  fi  ca  tion,  n.  pleasure, 
delight,  reward 

Hu  mil  i  a  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
humility 

II  lu  mi  na  tion,  n.  a  giving 
light,  brightness 

Im  ag  in  a  tion,  [g  soft]    n. 
fancy,  idea,  notion 

In  oc  u  la  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
inoculating  or  grafting 

In  ter  pre  ta  tion,  n.   an   ex* 
planation 

In  ter  ro  ga  tion,  n.  a  question 
put ;  a  point  marked  thus(?) 

In  tox  i  ca  tion,  n.  drunken- 
ness [tion 

In  ves  ti  ga  tion,  n.  examina- 

Ir  ra  di  a  tion,  n.  an  enlight- 
ening 

Jus  ti  fi  ca  tion,n,  vindication, 
defence 

Man  i  fes  ta  tion,  n.  a  discov- 
ery, a  publication 

Mis  ap  pli  ca  tion,  n.  applica- 
tion to  a  wrong  purpose 

Mod  i  fi  ca  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
modifying 

Mor  ti  fi  ca  tion,  n.  pulrefac- 
tion,  gangrene 

Mul  ti  pli  ca  tion,  n.  the  act 
of  multiplying 

No  ti  fi  ca  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
making  knowa  > 

Pre  des  ti  na  tion,  n.  preordi- 
nation, a  fatal  decree 

Pro  eras  ti  na  tion,  n.  a  de- 
lay, stop 

Frog  nos  ti  ca  tion, n.  theact 
of  foretelling 

Pu  ri  fi  ca  tion,  n.  the  act  of 
making  pure 


196 


tHE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCtER. 


Qual  i  fi  ca  tion,  n.  an  accom- 
plishment 

Rat  i  fi  ca  tion,  n.  confimra- 
tion 

Rec  om  men  da  tion,  n,  the 
act  of  recommending 

Re  gen  er  a  tion,  r..  the  new 
birth,  birth  by  grace 

Re  mu  ner  a  tion,  7i.  a  reward 

Rep  re  sen  ta  tion,  rt.  like- 
ness, description 

Re  tal  i  a  tion,  7^.  return  of 
like  for  like 


Sane  ti  fi  ca  tion,  n.  the  act 

of  making  holy 
Sig  ni  fi  ca  tion,  n.  a  meaning 

by  signs  or  words 
Sub  or  di  na  tion,  n.  the  state 

of  being  inferiour    [offonn 
Trans  fig  u  ra  tion,  n.a  change 

2  ^ 

Math  e  ma  ti  cian,  n.  one  vers- 
ed in  mathematicks    [take 
IMis  ap  pre  hen  sion,  n,  mis- 
Mis  un  der  stand  ing,  n.  mis- 


conception, errour. 

SECTION  LXXXIV. 

Words  of  six,  seven,  and  eight  syllables  ;  in  which  the  accent- 
ed syllables  are  defined  bi/' the  figures  being  placed  over  them. 


Dis  a  gree  a  ble  ncss^  n.  of- 
fensiveness,  unpleasantness 

In  com  mo  di  ous  ness,  n.  in- 
convenience 

In  Stan  ta  ne  ous  ly,  ad.  soon, 
in  an  indivisible  point  of 
time 

Su  per  nu  mer  a  ry,  a.  being 
above  the  stated  number 
2 

Cir  cum  nav  i  ga  ble,  a.  that 
which  may  be  sailed  round 

Hyp  o  crit  i  cal  ly,  ad.  with- 
out sincerity,  falsely 

In  ar  tic  u  late  ly,  ad.  indis- 
tinctly 

In  con  sid  or  a  ble  ness,  n. 
small  importance 

In  con  sid  er  a  ble,  a,  unwor- 
ihy  of  notice 

In  con  sid  cr  ate  ly,ad.thought- 
lessly 

In  con  sid  er  ate  ness,  n.  inat- 
tention [ed 

Id  de  fat  i  ga  ble,  a,  unweari- 


In  de  tftr  min  a  ble,  a.  not  to 
be  fixed,  not  to  be  defined 

In  do  ter  min  ate  ly,  ad.  in  an 
unsettled  manner 

In  ex  tin  guish  a  ble,  a.  un- 
quenchable 

Or  tho  graph  i  cal  ly,  ad.  ac- 
cording to  the  rules  of  spel- 
ling 

Un  in  tcl  li  gi  ble,  a.  such  as 
cannot  be  understood 

Un  in  tel  li  gi  bly,  ad.  not  to 
be  understood 

Im  me  thod  i  cal  ly,  ad,  ir- 
regularly, without  method 

3 

Ir  rfc  cov  cr  a  ble,  a.  not  to 
be  regained  [recovery 

Ir  re  cov  er  a  bly,  ad.  beyond 
1 

An  te  di  lu  vr  an,  a.  existing 
before  the  flood 

IMe  di  a  to  ri  al,  a,  belonging 
to  a  mediator 


THE    AiMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


197 


1 
Pre  des  ti  na  ri  an,  n-  one  that 
holds  the  doctrine  of  pre- 
destination 

2 

Ex  per  i  men  tal  \y,od.  by  ex- 
perience, by  trial 

Jm  mil  ta  bil  i  ty,  n.  exemp- 
tion from  change 

Im  pos  si  bil  i  ty,  n.  impracti- 
cability, that  which  cannot 
be  done 

Im  prob  a  bil  i  ty,  n.  unlike- 
lihood, absurdity 

In  ca  pa  bil  i  ty,  n.  inability, 
a  disqualification 

In  com  pre  hen  si  ble,  a.  not 
to  be  conceived 

In  cu  ra  bil  i  ty,  n.  an  impos- 
sibility of  cure 

In  stru  men  tal  i  ty,  n.  subor- 
dinate agency 

In  vis  i  bil  i  ty,  n,  the  state 
of  being  invisible 

Ir  reg  u  lar  i  ty,  n.  a  devia- 
tion from  rule 

Per  cep  ti  bil  i  ty,  n.  the  pow- 
er of  perceiving 

Plen  i  po  ten  tia  ry,  n.  a  ne- 
gotiator invested  with  full 
power 

Prac  ti  ca  bil  i  ty,  n.  possibil- 
ity of  being  performed 


Sem  i  di  am  e  ter,  ?i.  the  half 
of  a  diameter 

Su  per  in  ten  den  cy,  n.  the 
act  of  overseeing 

Sus  cep  ti  bil  i  ty,  n.  the  qual- 
ity or  state  of  admitting 

5    ^  -  -' 

In  fe  ri  or  i  ty,  n.  a  lower 
state  of  dignity  or  value 

Su  pe  ri  or  i  ty,  ?i.  pre-emi- 
nence, the  quality  of  being 
greater 

1 

Cir  cum  nav  i  ga  tion,  n.  the 
act  of  sailing  round 

Mis  rep  re  sen  ta  tion,  7i.  a 
wrong  reprc-sentation 

Pre  de  ter  mi  na  tion,  n.  de- 
termination made  before- 
hand 

Rec  on  cil  i  a  tion,w.  a  renew- 
al of  friendship,  atonement 

Im  pen  e  tra  bil  i  ty,  n.  an 
impenetrable  quality 

In  di  vis  i  bil  i  ty,  n.  state  in 
whicli  no  more  division  can 
be  made 

In  sep  a  ra  bil  i  ty,  n.  an  in- 
separable quality 

a 

In  com  pre  hen  si  bil  i  ty,  n 
unconceivableness 


DECLARATION    OF    COxXGRCSS. 

''  We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-emdenty 
that  all  men  are  created  equal ;  that  they  are 
endowed  by-  their  Creator  with  certo/iu  un- 
alienable rights  :  that  among  these  are  life,  lib- 
irty,  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness^  This 
is  the  language  of  ^^merica,  of  Reason,  and 

of  Truth. 

11* 


!98  THE  AMERICAN  IN5TRUCTER. 

SECTION  LXXXV. 

The  Fourth  of  July'.' 

This  day  commemorates  the  glorious  epoch  in  ouv 
national  history,  when  indignant  Americans  burst  the 
thraldom  of  British  tyranny,  and  asserted  the  rights  with 
which  God  and  Nature  invested  them,  and  decreed  their 
just  inheritance  ;  wlicn  tlie  voice  of  the  American  na* 
tion,  by  the  moiith  of  their  delegated  sages  and  patri 
ots,  declared  "  that  these  United  States  are,  and  of  right 
ought  to  be,  free,  sovereign  and  independent." 

This  resolution  they  bravely  carried  into  effect,  on 
the  fourth  day  of  July,  in  the  ever-memorable  year  of 
Seventy-six  ;  and  boldly  pledged  their  lives,  their  for- 
tunes, and  their  sacred  honour,  to  support  it.  Still  do 
their  sons  retrace  with  proud  delight  the  record  of  their 
noble  deeds;  still  are  millions  ready  to  renew  the  pledge. 

Still  do  their  bosoms  glow  with  indignation  at  the  story 
of  their  oppressions,  exult  in  their  successes,  and  weep 
over  their  misfortunes  ;  and  contemplate  with  admira- 
tion their  unshaken  constancy,  and  more  than  Roman 
virtue,  in  that  gloomy  period  when  scarce  a  ray  of  hope 
gilded  the  dreariness  of  the  prospect — wlien  a  licentious 
soldiery  wasted  our  fields,  pillaged  our  villages,  confla- 
grated our  towns,  butchered  our  citizens,  violated  the 
temples  of  our  God — carrying  terrour  and  dismay,  fire 
and  sword,  through  every  sectio\i  of  our  country. 

The  enthusiasm  with  which  the  return  of  this  day  is 
hailed,  is  a  pledge  that  the  spirit  of  seventy-six  is  not 
extinct:  although,  most  of  the  sages  and  heroes  of  the 
revolution,  '^^ve  yielded  to  the  law  ofnature,  and  launch- 
ed that  gulf  whence  none  return  yet  their  mantles  still 
rest  on  their  sons. 

Americans  !  place  constantly  before  your  sight  the 
deplorable  scenes  of  your  servitude,  and  the  enchanting 
picture  of  your  deliverance  !  Begin  with  the  infant  in 
his  cradle;  let  the  first  word  he  lisps,  be  Wanhington. 
Let  his  first  lessons  of  history  be  the  wrongs  which  you 
suffered,  and  the  courage  which  set  you  free.  Let  his 
«laily  prayers  be  expressions  of  gratitude  to  God,  for 
raising  you  up  accomplished  chiefs  ;  for  leading  on 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  IW 

your  armies  ;  and  for  strengthening  the  arm  of  your 
peasants  against  the  discipline  and  tyranry  of  Europe. 

Let  the  youth  grow  up  amidst  annual  festivals,  com 
memorative  of  the  events  of  war,  and  sacred  to  the 
memory  of  your  heroes.  Let  him  learn  from  his  father 
to  weep  over  the  tombs  of  those  heroes,  and  to  bless 
their  virtues.  Let  his  first  study  be  your  declaration  of 
independence,  and  the  code  of  your  constitution,  which 
were  sketched  out  amidst  the  clashing  of  arms. 

Let  him  stop  at  the  end  of  the  field  which  he  ploughs, 
and  while  the  tears  start  into  his  eyes,  let  him  read,  en- 
graven upon  the  rude  stones  ;  "  here  savages  in  the  pay 
of  despotism,  cast  an  infirm  old  man  into  the  flames :  here 
they  dashed  against  the  trees,  children  that  were  snatch- 
ed away  from  the  breasts  of  their  dying  mothers." 

Are  any  so  base  as  to  sacrifice  Liberty  and  Indepen- 
dence to  foreign  ambition  ?  Would  any  exchange  lib- 
erty and  equal  laws  for  despotism  and  oppression  ?  If 
any  such  there  are,  let  them  be  marked  for  the  detes- 
tation of  freemen,  the  curse  of  heaven. 

Guard  against  the  spirit  of  conquest:  the  tranquillity 
of  empire  decreases,  as  it  is  extended.  Have  arms  for 
your  defence,  but  have  none  for  offence.  Seek  ease  and 
health  in  labour  ;  prosperity  in  agriculture  and  manu- 
factures ;  strength  in  good  manners  and  virtue.  Make 
the  sciences  and  arts  prosper,  which  distinguish  the 
civilized  man  from  the  savage.  Especially  watch  over 
the  education  of  your  children. 

It  is  from  publick  schools,  be  assured,  that  skilful 
magistrates,  disciplined  and  courageous  soldiers,  good 
fathers,  good  husbands,  good  brothers,  good  friends,  and 
honest  men  come  forth.  Wherever  we  see  the  youth 
depraved,  the  nation  is  on  the  decline.  Let  Liberty  have 
an  immoveable  foundation  in  the  wisdom  of  your  con- 
stitutions ;  and  let  it  be  the  cement  which  unites  your 
states,  which  cannot  be  destroyed.  In  view  of  all  the 
blood-purcnased  blessings  you  enjoy,  cultivate  peacCj 
wisdom  and  integrity  ;  and 

"  The  bliss  of  these  States  in  rapture  shall  run, 
"  Till  nature  shall  freeze  at  the  death  of  the  Sun.*'' 


200  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

SECTION  LXXXVI. 

Ode  for  the  Fourth  of  Jtely 

Let  hymns  of  triumph  rise  around 

The  shrine  of  Liberty  ; 
Her  temples  fill  with  joyful  sound. 

Of  songs  and  minstrelsey. 

It  is  a  nation's  natal  day, 

'Tis  Freedom's  jubilee  : 
With  thankful  hearts  due  homage  pay, 

The  homage  of  the  fjee. 

From  thraldom's  dream  our  father's  woke, 

And  spurn'd  at  tyranis'  sway  ; 
The  sceptre  of  the  mighty  broke, 
And  cast  their  chains  away. 

Great  was  the  work,  and  great  their  souls 
Who  made  their  country  free — 

Their  names  are  written  on  the  rolls 
Of  immortality ! 

Others  have  fought,  and  battles  vvoi/, 
In  vain — their  hope  expires  : 

Their  chief  was  not  a  Washington, 
Their  soldiers,  not  our  sires. 

To  despot  rod  let  Europe  bow. 
And  shake  her  gilded  chains  ; 

Free  as  our  streams  to  ocean  flow, 
We  tread  our  native  plains. 

Uncheck'd,  Columbia's  Eagle  soars, 
With  wide  and  glorious  sweep  ; 

Her  mountain  Oak  her  thunder  pour? 
Triumphant  o'er  the  deep. 

Invincible  in  battle  field, 

Her  march  is  victory  ! — 
Strong  are  the  arms  in  fight  that  wield 

The  sword  of  Liberty. 

And  long  as  justice  holds  her  sway,' 
And  valour  shields  the  brave, 

Undimm'd  her  starn  shall  shed  their  ray, 
And  high  her  banners  wave. 

These  blessings  claim  our  highest  praist?;. 

Of  thankfulness  and  love — 
Loud  hallelujahs  let  us  raise    ,  \ 

To  Him  who  rules  al>ove. 


201 
AN  ABRIDGMENT  OF 

— «©©— 

English  Grammar  is  the  art  of  speaking  and  writing  the 
English  Language  correctly.  It  is  divided  into  four  parts  ; 
viz.  Orthography,  Etymology,  Syntax,  and  Prosody. 

Orthography  teaches  the  nature  and  powers  of  letters, 
atid  the  just  nlethod  of  spelling  words. 

Etymology  treats  of  the  different  sorts  of  words,  their  va- 
rious modifications,  and  their  derivation. 

Syntax  treats  of  the  agreement,  government,  and  proper 
arrangeraeht  of  words  and  sentences. 

Prosody  treats  of  the  just  pronunciation  of  words,  and 
the  laws  of  versification. 

ETYMOLOGY  AND  SYNTAX. 

Words  are  divided  into  ten  sorts  ;  commonly  called  parts 
of  speech ;  viz. 

1."  Article,  6.  Participle, 

2.  Noun  or  Substantive,       7-  Adverb, 

3.  Adjective,  8.  Preposition, 

4.  Pronoun,  9.  Conjunction,  and 

5.  Verb,  10.  Interjection. 
Syntax  principally  consists  of  two  parts,  Concord  and 

Government. 

Concord  is  the  agreement  which  one  word  has  with  anotli- 
er,  in  person,  number,  gender,  or  case. 

Government  is  that  power  which  one  part  of  speech  has 
over  another,  in  directing  its  mood,  tense,  or  case. 

OF  ARTICLES. 

An  Article  is  a  word  prefixed  to  nouns  to  limit  their 
s'lgnification  ;  as,  a  man  ;  an  apple  ;  the  tree  ;  the  stars. 

There  are  two  articles,  a  or  an,*  and  the.  A  or  an  is  call- 
ed the  indefinite  article.      The  is  called  the  definite  article^ 

*A  is  used  before  words  beginning  with  a  consonant,  or  u  long ;  as  c 
man,  a  unicorn.  It  is  also  used  before  owe  ,  as,  many  a  one.  yl/i  is  usej 
^sforc  w«rds  beginning  with  a  vswcl  or  rilcnt  h  ;  e>^  ^n  apple,  an  hour 


202  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

The  indefinite  article  limits  the  noun  to  one  of  a  kind, 
but  generally  to  no  particular  one  ;  as,  "  give  nic  a  book  ;" 
that  is,  any  book. 

The  definite  article  limits  tlie  noun  to  one  or  more  par- 
ticular objects ;  as,  "  give  me  the  book  ;"'  '•  bring  me  the  ap- 
ples ;"  meaning  some  particular  book,  or  apples  referred  to. 

OF  NOUNS. 

A  Noun  is  a  word  which  is  tne  name  of  any  person,  place, 
or  thing;  as,  man,  house,  New-York,  faith,  charitij. 

Nouns  are  of  two  kinds,  proper  and  common. 

A  proper  noun  is  a  name  given  to  one  thing,  to  distin- 
guish it  from  other  things  of  the  same  kind  ;  as,  John,  Alba- 
ny, tendon,  America. 

Common  nouns  are  the  names  of  whole  sorts  or  species ;' 
us,  man,  tree,  river,  city. 

To  nouns  belong  person,  number,  gender,  and  case. 

Nouns  arc  of  the  second  person  when  spoken  to,  and  of 
the  third  person  when  spoken  of;  as,  '•  Charles,  come  here  ;'" 
*•'  George  is  a  good  scholar.'^  ) 

Number  is  the  distinction  of  nouns  with  regard  to  the 
objects  signified,  as  one  or  more. 

Nouns  have  two  juunbers  ;  the  lingular  and  plural. 

The  singular  number  denotes  but  one  object  ;  a^s,  pen, 
book,  man. 

The  plural  number  denotes  more  objects  than  one  ;  as, 
"pens,  books,  men.* 

Gender  is  the  distinction  of  nouns  with  regiird  to  sex. 
There  are  three  genders,  the  MascuUne,  Fcjnininc.  and 
Neuter. 

The  Masculine  gender  denotes  males  ;  a-;,  man,  hoy,  king^ 
husband,  horse. 

The  Feminine  gender  denoti  s  iV'ni  ties  ;  as,  woman,  girl, 
row.  hen. 

Tlie  Neuter  gender  denotes  objects  whicii  are  neitlier 
males  nor  females  ;  as,  booh,  house,  field. ^ 

*  Some  nouns,  from  the  natui'e  of  the  tiling's  whioli  they  express,  are 
<i8cd  Silly  HI  ttio  siiip:iilnr  form  ;  as,  ri/'',J}'tx,Jlou7-,  xotJ,  si^iivr,  pride,  i^t. 
others  only  in  tiic  plnrai  form;  as,  dslies,  snuffers,  xhears,  .scissors,  l'tnj:;s, 
!  ic'i>'s,  vidiia/s.  ^r. 

Some  words  are  the  same  in  botli  iiumljcrs;  as,  deer,  sheep,  swine, 
sjj.iirni,  SfC.  '' 

1  Some  nouns,  ntiturally  neuter,  are  Iiya  fijjuro  of  spcecti,  convertciT 
(p!i)  the  niascnlini-  or  feniiniiie  s^rndjr  ;  as,  whtn  \f/i  say  of  tlie  >iin.  U( 
j.»  si'l'^nji;-;  anil  rJ"  a  flliip,  i/n- sails  well. 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


203 


The  English  language  has  three  methods  of  distinguish- 
ing the  sex  ;  viz. 

1.  By  different  words  :  as. 


Male. 

Female. 

Male. 

Female. 

Brother 

Sister 

Man 

Woman 

Father 

Mother 

Nephew 

Niece 

Husband 

Wife 

Sloven 

Slut 

King 

Queen 

Son 

Daughter 

Lad 

Lass 

Uncle 

Aunt 

Lord 

Lady 

Wizard 

Witch 

By  a  diiTerence 

of  termination ; 

as, 

Male. 

Female. 

3Iale. 

Female. 

Actor 

Actress 

Jew 

Jewess 

Emperor 

Empress 

*  Patron 

Patroness 

Executor 

Executrix 

Poet 

Poetess 

Governour 

Governess 

Prince 

Princess 

Heir 

Heiress 

Prophet 

Prophetess 

Hero 

Heroine 

Shepherd 

Shepherdess 

3.  By  prefixing  some  word  indicating  sex  ;  as, 
Male.  Female. 

A  man-servant  A  maid-servant 

A  male-child  A  female-child 

A  he-gf>at  A  she-goat 

Male  descendants  Female  descendants 

Case  is  the  different  state  or  situation  of  nouns  with  re- 
gard to  other  words.  Nouns  have  three  cases,  the  nomina- 
tive, possessii'e,  and  objective. 

The  Nominative  case  denotes  the  actor,  or  subject  of  the 
verb  ;  as,  "  Joh7t  walks."     "  The  boys  play." 

The  Possessive  case  denotes  the  relation  of  property  or 
possession  ;  and  is  formed  by  adding  an  apostrophe  with  the 
letter  s,  to  the  noun  ;  as,  "  John's  hat  ;"  "^  Women^s  bon- 
nets :"  But  when  the  plural  ends  in  s,  and  sometimes  also 
when  the  singular  ends  in  ss,  the  apostrophe  only  is  added  ; 
as,"  The  Ladies'  school  ;^'  "  For  holiness'  sake." 

The  Objective  case  denotes  the  object  of  an  action,  or  of 
a  relation  ;  as,  ''•  John  strikes  Thomas ;"  "  he  lives  ia 
N&ic-  Yorlc. 

Nouns  are  declined  in  the  following  manner. 

Singular,         Phiral. 
Nom.  King  Kings 


Sirigular 
Nom.  Man 
Pos.     Man': 
Obj.     Man 


Plural. 

Men 

Men's 

Men 


Pos. 
Obj. 


King's 
Kine 


Kings' 
Kings 


204 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


As  soon  as  the  pupil  has  committed  to  memory  the  defini- 
iions  of  the  Article  and  Noun^  he  should  he  exercised  in par- 
iing  these  parts  of  speech,  as  they  are  arranged  in  the  fol- 
loicing  Parsing  Lesson. 

PARSING  LESSON  I, 

Article  and  Nowi. 
A  book. 
Instrucier.  Pupil. 

What  prut  of  spprch  is  a  ?  An  article. 


What  is  an  article  ? 

What  kind? 
Why  :-     -     . 


What  lions  it  belong  to  ? 
Accordina:  to  what  rule  ? 
What  part  of  speech  is 

hook  '? 
What  is  a  noun  ? 


An  article  is  a  word  pre6,xed  to 
nouns  to  liiHjit  their  signification.. 

'^Tlie  indefinite. 

The  indefinite  article  limits  the 
noun  to  one  of  a  kind. 

It  belongs  to  book. 

Rule  i.*  (repeat  the  rule.) 


A  noun. 

A  noun  is  a  word  \yhich  is  the  name 

of  any  person,  place  or  thing. 
What  kind  ?         -         .-        Common. 
Why  ?         -         -         -       Common  nouns  arc  the  nanies  of 

whole  sorts  or  species. 
What  person  ?         -       -     The  third, 
Wh}' ?         -         r         -       Rccause  it  is  spokcii  of. 
What  luiniber  ?  -  The  singidar. 

VVhy  r         -         -         -       Because  ittlenotcs^but  one  object. 
What  gender  ?         -  The  neuter. 

Why  ?         -         -         -       Because  it  denotes  neither  male 

nor  foiiiale. 
Whatra^iP.''         -         -^         The  Nominative. t 

*RULi:  I. 

Articles  Ixlong  to  nouns  which  they  limit  or  dt-fine  ;  as, 
''  A  book  ;  an  a])j)le  ;  the  house  ;  the  stars." 


A  boy 
A  house 
A  tnse 
A  garden 
A  chair 
A  table 


A  unicorn 
An  orange 
An  apjdo 
An  hour 
An  eagle 
The  garden 


The  stars 
The  clouds 
The  rainbou' 
Vii-tuc 
Temperance 
A  hammer 


t  As  soon  as  thr  pupil  rnccivf-s  information  rnoiigli  to  rnablp  him  to 
parse  without  givinjjtht'  definitions,  he  may  omit  I'uin  and  pane  in  tfit 
osuhI  war- 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.'  205 

The  horizon  The  sciences  The  shoes 

Boston  The  continent  A  whim 

An  earthquake  The  school  A  man 

Europe  A  fever  The  men 

America  The  Thames  The  woman 

The  constitution  A  river  TJ:e  end 

PARSING  LESSON  11. 

Nouns  in  the  Possessive  case. 
John's  Book. 
•^Solution.  John-s  is  a  proper  noun,  third  person,  singular 
number,  masculine  gender,  posscssice  case,  and  governed  by 
the  noun  book,  according  to  Rule  ii.  (ichich  repeat.)  Book 
is  a  common  noun,  third  person,  singular  number,  neuter 
gender,  and  nominative  case. 

The  man's  hat  A  painter's  brush     The  prophetess' pre- 

William's  paper        Jacob's  ladder  diction 

A  horse's  bridle        Cicero's  orations      Woodbridge's  c:eog- 
The  scholar's  duty    Job's  comforters  rapliy 

Woman's  bonnet      Murray's  grammar   JoIju's  l)rother's  son 
The  shipjs  masts       Perry's  victory  Cicero's  speech 

RULE  n. 

A  noun  or  pronoun  in  the  jjossessivc  case,  is  governed  by 
the  noun  it  possesses;  as,  ''John-s  liook  ;"  ''■Perry's  victo- 
ry;" "Every  tree  is  known  by  its  fruit." 

OF  ADJECTIVES. 

An  Adjective  is  a  word  which  expresses  some  quality 
or  property  of  a  noun  ;  as, "  a  good  scholar  ;  a  icdl  man." 

Adjectives  admit  of  three  degrees  of  conjparison;  th<5 
positive,  comparative,  and  superlative. 

The.  Positive  diegrcci  expresses  the  quality  of  an  object 
without  any  increase  or  diminution ;  as,  good,  wise,  great. 

The  CTomparativc  degree  inc;  eases  or  lessens  the  positive 
in  signification;  as,  iviser,  greater,  less  wise. 

The  Superlative  degree  incrQcsos  or  lessons  the  positive 
to  the  highest  or  lowest  degree  ;  as,  wisest, greatest,  leastwise 
Covipciiison  of  Adjectives. 

The  Simple  word,  or  positive,  btccmes  the  comparative, 
by  adding  r  or  cr  ;  and  the  superlati\o,  by  adding  st  or  est 
io  the  end  of  it ;  as. 

Positive.  Ooinparative.  Superlative 

Wise,  Wiser,  Wisest. 

Great,  Greater  Greatest 

18 


206 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER 


The  words  more  and  most,  less  and  leasty  have  the  same 

effect ;  as, 

Positive.  Comparative.  Superlative. 

Wise,  more  wise,  •  most  wise. 

Virtuous,  less  virtuous,  least  virtuous. 

Some  adjectives  are  irregularly  compannl ;  as, 
Positive.  Comparative.  Superlative. 

Little,  less,  l«3ast. 

Bad,  worse,    '  worst. 

Good,  better,  best.  "^ 

PARSING  LESSON  IIL 
Article,  Adjective,  and  Noun. 
Delicious  fruit. 
Puml. 


Instructer. 
What  part  of  speech  is 

delicious  ?     - 
What  is  an  adjective? 


An  adjective. 

An  adjective  is  a  word  which  ex- 
presses some  quality  or  property 
of  a  noun. 


What    degree    of  com- 
parison ?     - 
Why?     - 


The  positive 

Eecausc  it    expresses   the     f]ualiiy 
of  the  object  without  increase  of 
diiriinukon. 
Pos.    delicious.    Corn,    more  deli- 
rious,  Super,  most   delicious. 
It  belongs  to  fruit. 
According  to  what  rule?  Rule  hi.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 

RULE  in. 

Adjectives  belong  to  the  nouns,  or  pronouns  which  the^; 
qualify  ;  as, ''  A  v-ise  man  ;  a  great  liouse  ;  he  is  good." 


How  is  it  compared  r 
What  does  it  belong  to  i 


A  sweet  apple 
A  bad  pen 
A  great  house 
The  verdant  fields 
The  industrious  hev-t 
The  dutiful  sti^k 
The  diligent  farmer 
A  temperate  climate 
A  free  goverinncnt 
The  noblest  prospect 
^«  obedient  son 


American  independence 

Virtue's  fair  form  [tion 

Ramsay's   American    Revolu- 

A  womrtn  iinii-ilde 

The  cool  scqut?stered  vale 

I/ife's  g;iy  varieties 

The  rich  nr,in's  prosperity 

Tlie  poor  man's  comfort 

A  cheerful  guod  olu  ni;ui 

The  American  war 

Washington's  farewell  address 


^^ 


rHE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 


^7 


OF  PRONOUNS. 

A  Pronoun  is  a  word  used  instead  of  a  noun,  to  avoid  re* 
peating  the  same  word  ;  as,  "  The  man  is  happy  ;  he  is  be* 
fievolent ;  he  is  useful." 

There  are  three  kinds  of  pronouns.  Personal,  Relativti 
a»d  Adjective. 

Personal  Pronouns. 

Personal  pronouns  stand  for  the  name  of  some  person  or 
thing.     They  are  /,  thou,  he,  she,  it  ;  with  their  plurals,  we, 
ye  or  you,  they. 
Personal  pronouns  admit  oi  per  son, number,  gender,  and  cas€^ 

The  personal  pronouns  are  thus  declined. 

Person  and  Gender. 


Case. 
C  Nom. 
^Pos. 

C  Nom 
^Pos. 

CObj. 
C  Nom. 
■^Pos. 
CObj. 
C  Nom. 

<  Pos. 
(Obj. 
r  Nom. 

<  Pos. 
CObj. 

The  word  self  is  frequently  joined  with  personal  pronouns  5 
as,  himself,  herself,  itself. 

Relative  Pronouns. 

Relative  pronouns  are  such  as  relate,  in  general,  to  some 
preceding  word  or  phrase,  called  the  Antecedent ;  they  are 
who,  which,  what,  and  that.* 

What  is  a  kind  of  compound  relative,  including  both  the 
antecedent  and  the  relative  ;  and  is  mostly  equivalent  to  that 
which;  as,  "  I  have  heard  2^;Aa^  has  been alledged  ;"  thatiSj 
**I  have  heard  that  tohich  has  been  alledged." 

•  The  word  as,  mav  be  considered  as  a  relative  pronoun  when  it  it 
equivalent  to  which  or  that ;  as,  "  The  same  arguments  are  applicablff, 
(U  were  applied  to  the  theory  of  uniformity  of  perceptions."  Here  am 
nuiy  be  considered  synonymous  with  which  •  referring  to  argutntntti  vA 
o«miaative  to  vnrt  appliid 


First  person. 


Second  person. 

Third  person, 
Masculine  gender. 

Thh-d  person, 
Feminine  gender. 

Third  person, 
Neuter  gender 


Singular. 
I, 

Plural. 
We, 

Mine, 

Ours, 

Me. 

Us. 

Thou, 
Thine, 

Ye  or  you 
Yours, 

Thee. 

You. 

He, 
His, 

They, 
Theirs, 

Him. 

Them. 

She, 
Hers, 

They, 
Theirs, 

Her. 

Them. 

It, 
Its, 

They, 
Theirs, 

It. 

Them. 

208  THE    AMERICAN   IN'RTRUCTER. 

Who  is  applied  to  persons  ;  as,  "  The  man  who  is  idle 
does  not  improve." 

Which  is  applied  to  brutes  and  inanimate  things  ;  as, 
"  The  birds  which  we  have  taken,  are  beautiful."  "  The 
/ields  which  we  roved  through,  were  delightful." 

That  is  applied  to  both  persons  and  things  ;  as,  "  He  that 
is  honest  will  be  rewarded."  "  Habits  that  are  vicious 
should  be  avoided." 

IV/io  is  of  both  C  Nam.         Who, 
numbers,  and  is  <  Pos.  Whose, 

thus  declined.     (  Obj.  Whom. 

Who,  which,  and  2vhat,  when  used  in  asking  questions,  are 
called  interrogative  pronouns ;  as,  "  Who  was  he  ?"  "  Which 
is  the  man  ?"  "  What  arc  you  doing  ?" 
Adjective  PrOiNOUNs. 

Adjective  pronouns  are  of  a  mixed  nature,  having  the 
jroperties  both  of  pronouns  and  adjectives.  They  are  divi- 
led  into  four  sorts  ;  Possessive,  Distributive,  DemonstrativCf 
and  Indefinite. 

The  Possessive  adjective  pronouns  are  those  which  re 
late  to  property  or  possession.     They  are  my,  thy,  his,  her, 
Our,  your,  their. 

The  Distributive  adjective  pronouns  are  those  wtiich  de- 
note the  persons  or  things  that  make  up  a  number,  takdn 
separately,  and  singly.     They  are  each,  every,  either. 

The  Demonstrative  adjective  pronouns  are  those  which 
precisely  point  out  the  subjects  to  which  they  relate.  They 
are  this,  that,  these,  those.* 

The  Indefinite  adjective  pronouns  are  those  which  ex- 
press their  subjects  in  an  indefinite  or  general  manner. 
They  are  some,  one,  any,  all,  other,  such. 

One  and  other  are  thus  declined. 


Sinffutar. 

Plural. 

Singular. 

Plural. 

Norn. 

One, 

Ones, 

Norn. 

Other, 

Others, 

Pos. 

One's, 

Ones', 

Pos. 

Other's, 

Others', 

Obj. 

One, 

Ones. 

Obj. 

Other, 

Others. 

OF  VERBS. 
A  Verb  is   a  word  which  expresses  action  or  being;  a^ 
*'  John  writes  ;  the  boys  read  ;  the  city  stands." 

•  Thi*  and  these,  refer  to  things  neareM  or  last  merUioned ;  that  and 
thote^  to  things /ij/</i*T  distanl,  ox  first  mrntiowd  .  as  "  This  house  is  mine, 
that  IK  my  brother's."  "  The  path  of  virtue,  and  the  road  of  vice,  are 
•pen  before  you :  that  leads  to  happiness,  this  to  misery."  "  Thett  books 
•re  mine,  thoit  arc  John's." 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER.  209 

Verbs  are  of  three  kinds ;  active,  passive,  and  neuter.  They 
are  also  divided  into  regular,  irregular,  and  dffective.  ^ 

An  actiic  verb  denotes  action  or  cn«'rjiy  which  terminates 
on  some  object ;  as,  "  Cain  smote  AIk-I  ;  Cesar  conquered 
Pompey." 

A  passive  verh  denotes  action  received,  or  endured,  by 
the  person  or  thing  whicli  is  the  nominative  ;  as,  '-'Pompey 
was  conquered  by  Cesar."  It  is  formed  by  adding  the  per- 
fect participle  of  an  active  verb,  to  the  verb  he,  throiiglj  r*'l 
its  changes  of  number,  person,  mood,  and  tense. 

A  neuter  verh  denotes  beiui,'  or  existence,  or  it  denotes 
action  which  is  limited  to  the  subject ;  as,  "  I  am  ;  he  sleeps  ^ 
John  walks.- ^ 

Regular  verbs  are  those  whose  imperfect  tense  and  pec 
feet  participle  end  in  cd  ;  as, 

Present.  Imper/i:ct.  Perfect  part- 

,  I  love,  I  loved",  loved, 

I  favour,  I  favoured,  favoured. 

Irregular  verbs  are  those  whose  imperfect  tense  and  per- 
fect participle  do  not  end  in  ed  :  as, 

Present.  Imperfect.  '    Perfxt  part 

I  know,  I  knew,  known. 

i  1  begin,  I  began,  begun. 

Defective  verbs  arc  those  which  are  used  only  in  some  of 
their  moods  and  tenses  ;  as, 

Present.  Imperfect.  Perfect  part. 

'  Can,  Coulil. 

I  May.  nii^-lit.    • 

Ai>xiliary  verbs  are  those  by  the  help  of  which  other  verbs 
are  principally  conjugated.  They  are,  do,  he,  have,  shall, 
will,  may.  can,  with  their  variations,  and  >«««if,  which  has  no 
variation.  JJo,  be,  have,  and  u-i/l  are  somclimes  principal 
verbs. 
;      To  verbs  belong  Number,  Pruson,  jMood,  and  Tense. 

Yerbs  have  two  numbers,  the  singular  and  she  plural  ;  as, 
He  runs,  we  run,  &c. 

In  each  number  there  are  three  persons ;  as, 

Si7tgiilar. '  Plnrdl. 

First  person            I  love,    "  We  love, 

Second  person         Thou  lovcst,  Ye  or  you  love, 

Third  person          He  loves.  They  love. 

Mood  or  Mode  is  the  manner  of  representing  action  or  being. 
There  are  five  moods  of  verbs  ;  the  Indicative,  Subjunc 
tive,  Potential,  Infinitive,  and  Imperative. 
Tense  is  the  division  of  time. 

There  are  six  tenses  ;  the  present,  imperfect, per fectj  plu- 
perfect, first  future,  and  second  future. 
18* 


210  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

The  conjugation  of  a  verb,  i.<  tho  regular  combination  ana 
arrangement  of  its  several  numbers,  persons,  moods,  and 
tenses. 

Conjugation  of  the  Verb  to  love, 

INDICATIVE  MOOD. 
The  Indicative  Mood  simply  indicates  or  declares  a  things 
or  asks  a  question  ;  as,  "  He  loves  ;  he  is  loved  ;"  "  Does 
he  love  ?"  «  Is  he  loved  ?" 

Present    Tense  Singular  number.  Plural  number. 

denotes  present  time;  1.  I  love,  We  love, 

as,  2.  ThoulovestJor loves.  Ye  or  you  love, 

3.  He,  she,  or  \i  loveth.  They  love. 

Imperfect  Tense  Sing^ular  number.  Plural  numba 

denotes     past     time,  1.  I  loved,  We  loved, 

however   distant  ;  as,  2.  Tliou  lovedst,  Ye  or  you  loved, 

3.  He  lov«d.  Thev  loved. 

Perfect  Tense  Singular  lutmher.  Plural  number. 

denotes  pa^t  time,  (>ut  1.  I  have  loved,  We  have  loved, 

has  reference   also   to  2.  Thou  hast  loved,  Ye  or  you  have  loved,^ 

the  present  ;  as,  3.  He  hath  or  has  Vjved.  They  have  loved. 

Pluperfect    Tense  de-         Singular  number.  Plural  number. 

notes  past  time,  but  as   1.  1  b.ad  loved,  We  had  loved, 

prior  to   some    other  2.  Tiiou  hads.  loved,  Ye  or  you  had  loved, 

past  time  specified;  as,  3.  He  had  loved.  They  li»ut  loved. 

First  Future   Tense  Si'igitlar  ninnber.  Plural  number. 

denotes  future   time  >  1.  1  shall  or  will  love,  Wc  sball  or  wilt  love, 

as,  2.  Thou  shalt    or    wilt  Yo  t^r  you  shall  or  wili 

love,  iove. 

3.  He  shall  or  will  h.ve.  They  shall  or  will  love, 

Seeond  future  Tense  Singular  number.  Plural  number. 

denotes  future  time,  1.  I  shall  have  loved,  We  shall  have  loved,"* 
but  as  prior  to  some  2.  Thou  slialt  or  wilt  Ye  or  you  shall  or  will 
other  future  time  spe-  have  loved,  [loved.  have  l»ved,  [loved, 
clfied  ;  a«,  3.  He  shall  or  will  have  They  shall  or  will  have 

PARSING  LESSON  IV. 
Noun,  Pronouny  and  Verb. 
He   loves  us. 
Instructer.  Pupil. 

What  part  of  speech  is  he?  A  pronoun.  [noun. 

Why  ?    -         -         -  Because  it  is   irscd   instead  of  a 

What  kind  ?      -  -      Peisonal. 

Why  ?    -         -        -  Because  it  stands  for  the  name  of 

some  person  or  thing. 
What  person  ?    -        -     The  thvd. 


THE   AMERICAN    i\STRUCTEK-  2ii 

Why  ?         -         -         -      Because  it  is  spoken  of. 
What  number  ?  -         -      The  singular. 
Why  ?         -         -         -      Because  it  denotes  but  one  object. 
What  gender?    -         -      The  masculine.  [males. 

Why  ?  -  -  The    masculine    gender     denotes 

What  case  ?         -         -      The  nominative.  [verb  loves. 

Why  ?         -         -         -      Because  it  is  the  subject  of  tho 
According  to  what  rule  ?  Rule  iv.  (Repmt  the  rule.) 
What    part  of  speech    is 

loves  ?  .         -  A  verb.  [ing 

Why  ?     -         -         -  Recinse  it  expresses  action  or  be- 

What  kind  ?         -         -      A<^tive. 

Why.''         -         -         -      An  active  verb  denotes  action  or 

energy    which     terminates     on 
some  object. 
Is  it  regular  or  irregular  ?  Regular. 
Why }      -  -  Because  its  imperfect    tense    and 

perfect  participle  end  in  ed. 
What  mood  ?  -  Indicative.         [declares  a  thing. 

Why  ?     -  -         -       Because   it   simply    indicates    ox 

What  tense  ?      -  -      Present. 

Why  ?         -         -         -      Because  it  denotes  present  time. 
What  person  and  number?  Third  person,  singular  number. 
Why  ?         -         -         -      Because    its   nominative    case    is 

third  person  singular. 
What  does  it  agree  with 

for  its  nominative  ?    -    It  agrees  with  he. 
According  to  what  rule  ?  Rule  v.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 

Us  is  a  personal  pronoun,  first  person,  plural  number,  d^ 
iective  case,  and  governed  by  the  verb  loves,  according  te 
kuuE  yT.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 

RULE  IV. 
The  nominative  case  governs  the  verb  ;  as,   "  Thov  lov 
est ;  Ae  walks  ;  the  birds  sing." 

RULE  V. 
A  verb  must,  agree  with  its  nominative   case  ia  BUfnbei 
and  person  ;  as, "  He  writes  ;  the  trees  growJ'* 
RULE  VL 
Active  verbs  govern  the  objective  case  ;  ae, "  CaiD  smots 
Ahel ;"  «  Truth  ennobles  her." 
Fire  burns  wood.  Thou  deniest  me. 

Children  study  books.         You  revile  theni* 


iZi2  lllL   AMERICAN    IN'STRUCTER; 

Tlicy  forgave  liiiu.  Paul  preached  the  gospel. 

I  have  laught  ihcm.  We  shall  recite  the  lessons, 

lie  has  comforteJ  me.  Foxes  kill  people's  geese. 

Tlicy  had  cpuvinccd  us.       John  whips  Peter's  dog. 
We  will  pursue  him.  The  ladies  teach  the  children. 

They  will  convince  us.        ,  The  merchant  sells  the  goods. 
Newton  studied  astronomy.  The  farmer  sells  produce. 

Generous  persons  relieve  the  poor,  old  men. 

The  man's  discourse  caused  much  excitement. 

The  giiTs  friends  abuse  the  children's  parents. 

William's  black  horse  kicked  Stephen's  little  dog. 
PARSING    IJESSON  V. 
Relative,  and  Adjective  Pronouns. 
My  son  who  teaches  you,  pleases  your  father 

Solution  of  my  and  u'ho.  My  is  a  possessive  adjectivfl 
pronoun,  and  belongs  to  son,  according  to  Rule  vii.  (Rf 
•neat  the  rule.)  Who  is  a  relative  pronoun,  and  agrees  with 
rts  antecedent  son,  in  gender  and  number,  according  to  Rule 
VIII.  (Repeat  the  rule.)  and  is  the  nominative  case  to 
the  verb  teaches,  according  to  Rule  iv.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 
RULE  VII. 

Every  adjective  pronoun  belongs  to  some  noun  expressed 
or  understood  ;  as,  "  3Iy  house;  every  tree;  <Acse  books ; 
any  book." 

RULE  VIIL 

Pronouns  must  agiTC  with  their  antecedents,  or  the  nouns 
they  represent,  in  gender  and  number  ;  as,  "  This  is  the  man 
whom  I  love."     "  That  is  the  vice  which  I  hate." 

The  prisoners  who  broke  jail,  have  returned. 

Each  pupil  who  recites  his  lessons,  shall  be  rewarded. 

The  person  whom  I  teach,  loves  his  friends. 

The  woman  whoso  house  they  hire,  owns  n)any  housds, 

Thee  whom  thy  friends  admire,  we  love. 

The  house  which  he  occupies,  our  neighbour  owns. 

The  books  which  the  little  boys  read,  the  old  roan  sells. 

Thou  who  makest  my  shoes,  sellcst  many  more. 

The  seeds  that  he  planted,  produce  beautiful  flowers. 
The  conjugation  of  the  verb,  in  the  other  moods,  is  omitted 

until  the  explanatimi  of  the  remaining  parts  of  speech  arc 

given. 

OF  PARTICIPLES. 

A  Participle  is  a  word  derived  from  a  verb,  andpartake» 
of  tlw  nature  of  the  verb,  adjective,  and  douUv 


fHE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  213 

There  are  three  kinds  of  participles ;  the  present, perfect^ 
and  compound  perfect. 

The  present  participle  denotes  an  action  continuing,  or 
still  going  on,  and  ends  in  ing  ;  as,  *'  I  see  a  man  heating  a 
horse."     "  The  child  sees  the  hawk  killing  the  chickens." 

The  perfect  participle  denotes  past  time,  and  corresponds 
with  the  imperfect  tense  of  regular  verbs  ;  as,  loved,  hated  ; 
"  I  found  him  lodged  in  prison." 

The  compound  perfect  participle  is  the  union  of  two  or 
nacre  participles  ;  as,  having  loved,  having  been  loved. 

PARSING  LESSON  VI. 

Participles. 
John  sees  Peter  teaching  the  little  girl. 

Solution  of  teaching  and  girl.  Teaching  is  a  present 
participle,  relating  to  the  noun  Peter,  according  to  Rule  ix. 
{Repeat  the  rule  )  Oirl  is  a  common  noun,  third  person, 
singular  number,  feminine  gender,  objective  case,  and  gov- 
erned by  the  participle  teaching,  according  to  Rule  x.  {Rc" 
peat  the  rule.) 

RULt  IX. 

Participles  generally  relate  to  nouns  or  pronouns  ;  as, 
"  Charles  loving  h\s  parents,  obeyed  thera  ;"  "  I  saw  him 
labouring  in  the  field." 

RULE  X. 

Participles,  derived  from  active  verbs,  govern  the  objec- 
tive case  ;  as,  "  Charles  loving  his  parents,  obeyed  tbem." 

Jesus,  knowing  their  thoughts,  rebuked  them. 

Knowing  he  was  my  superiour,  I  submitted. 

I  saw  the  teacher  instructing  his  pupils. 

I  saw  the  pupils  studying  their  lessons. 

George  sees  the  fox  killing  the  man's  geese. 

The  dog,  pursuing  the  track,  overtook  the  game. 

The  sun,  having  arisen,  dispersed  the  clouds. 

Charles,  having  discovered  the  cheat,  pursued  the  rogue. 

Having  obtained  license,  he  commenced  preaching. 

OF  ADVERBS. 

An  Adverb  is  a  word  used  to  qualify  the  sense  of  verbs, 

participles,  adjectives,  and  other  adverbs  ;  as,  "  He  fought 

braveli/ ;"    "Having  lived  prudently,  he  became  rich;" 

**  Extremely  fine  weather  ;"  "  He  reads  very  correctly."* 

*  An  Adverb  may  generally  be  known  by  its  answering  to  the  ques^ 
tion, How  ?  bow  much  ?  when  ?  or  where?  as,  "  He  reads  correctly," 
th«  answer  to  the  question,  How  does  he  read  ?  is,  cerj-recUy. 
I 


214  THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUCTER. 

Some  adverbs  admit  of  comparison  ;  as,  soon, sooner ^  soon- 
est ;  often,  oftevcr,  ofUnest. 

Adverbs  ending  in  ly,  are  compared  by  mor^  and  nost  ; 
as,  wisely,  more  wisely,  most  wisely. 

Classification  of  Adverbs. 

I.  Of  Number :  as,  Once,  tw-ke,  thrice,  &,c. 

a.  Oi  Order  :  as,  First,  secondly,  thirdly,  fourthly,  fifthly,  lastly, ft' 
■ally,  be. 

3.  Of  Place  ;  as.  Here,  there,  where,  elsewhere,  anywhere,  some* 
where,  nowhere,  herein,  whither,  thither,  upward,  downward,  forward, 
backward,  hence,  thence,  whence,  &.c. 

4.  Of  Ti7ne  ■  as,  Now,  to-day,  yesterday,  to-morrow,  before,  hereto* 
fore,  already,  hitherto,  lately,  afterwards,  instantly,  presently,  immedi- 
ately, hereafter,  henceforth,  by  and  by,  not  vet,  long  since,  long  ago, 
oft,  often,  ofttimes,  oftentimes,  sometimes,  soon,  seldom,  daily,  yearly, 
always,  when,  then,  again,  ever,  never,  &,c. 

5.  Of  Quantity  ;  as,  Much,  little,  enough,  sufficiently,  abundantly, 
how  much,  fiic. 

€.  Of  Manner  or  Quality ;  as.  Wisely,  foolishly,  justly,  unjuttly, 
«|uickly,  slowly,  badly,  ably,  admirably,  correctly,  softly,  prudently, 
inprudently,  ignorantly,  &.c. 

7.  Of  Doubl  ;  as,  Perhaps,  peradventure,  possibly,  perchance,  &c. 

8  Of  Affirmation  :  as.  Certainly,  truly,  undoubtedly,  verily,  surely, 
indeed,  really,  yea,  yes,  &c. 

;   9.  Of  Negation  ,   as,  Nay,  no,not,by  no  means, not  at  all, in  no  wise,dcc< 
.  10.  Of  Interrogation  ;  as.  How,  why,  wherefore,  whether,  &c. 

II.  Of  Conjunction ;  as,  Together,  generally,  universally,  &«. 
IS-  Of  Disjunction  ;  as,  AsUndcr,  off,  separately,  apart,  «^. 
13.  Of  Similarity  ;  as,  So,  equally,  thus,  alike,  &c. 

PARSING  LESSON  VII. 

Adverbs. 
The  pupil  writes  very  correctly. 
Solution  of  very  and  correctly.      Very  is  an  adverb,  and 
qualifies  correctly,  according  to  Riilk  xi.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 
Correctly  is  an  adverb,  and  qualifies  the  verb  writes,  a.ccOT- 
diog  to  Rule  xi.     (Repeat  the  rule.) 
RULE  XL 
Adverbs  qualify  verbs,  participles,  adjectives,  and  other 
adverbs  ;  as,  "  He  writes  elegantly  ;"  "  We  heard  them  se- 
cretly   contriving  evil ;"    "  She  is  very  beautiful ;"    *'  He 
•peaks  very  gracefully." 
.  He  gave  bountifully,  they  gave  sparingly. 
Very  industrious  scholars  study  constantly. 
Behaving  carelessly,  boys  do  mischief. 
The  servant  drove  the  horses  very  carelessly 
First,  Peter  will  speak  ;  secondly,  Stephen.    ^ 
The  man  went  again  :  he  went  twice. 
They  have  seen  hm  '^'»'-«'  nerhaps  twice. 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUC'TERr  215 

OF  PREPOSITIONS. 
A  FREPO.-aTloN  is  a  word  which  serves  to  connect  words 
with  one  another,  and  to  show  the  relation  between  them  ; 
as, "  He  went  from  New-York  to  Philadelphia  ;"    «  She 
sailed  with  us  to  London." 

A  list  of  the  principal  Prq)Osittons. 

j^l  by  over  beneath  amongst 

in  from  under  bevond  against 

of  upon  above  before  amidst 

off  into  below  behind  towards 

on  with  after  beside  except 

to  within  about  besides  through 

for  without  across  betwixt  throughout 

up  between  down  among  underneath. 

PARSING  LESSON  VIH. 

Prepositions. 
I  write  with  a  pen. 
Solution  of  with  and  pen.  With  is  a  preposition  and  re- 
lates to  the  noun  pen.  Pen  is  a  common  noun,  third  person, 
singular  number,  neuter  gender,  objective  case,  and  govern- 
ed by  the  preposition  with,  according  to  Rule  xii.  (Repeat 
the  rule. 

RULE  XU. 
Prepositions  govern  the  objective  case  ;  as, "  He  wentfrom 
New- York  to  Boston  ;"  "I  came  into  the  house  with  him." 
The  army  has  encamped  on  the  banks  of  the  river. 
The  pen,  with  which  I  write,  makes  too  large  a  mark. 
They  travelled  through  France,  in  haste,  towards  Italy. 
On  all  occasions,  she  behaved  with  propriety. 
From  virtue  to  vice,  the  progress  is  gradual 
Quarrels  frequently  terminate  in  blows. 
Virtue  embalms  the  memory  of  the  good. 
We  in  vain  look  for  con, fort  in  wickedness. 
Some  things  make  for  him,  others  against  him, 
They  came  from  Philadelphia   to  New-York,  by  water. 
OF  CONJUNCTIONS  AND  INTERJECTIONS. 
A  Co"NJUNCTioN  is  a  word  that  is  chiefly  used  to  connect 
sentences  ;  joining  two  or  more  simple  sentences  into  one 
compound  on'       It  .sometimes   connects   ou\y  words;  as, 
*'  John  oTid  Willip.rn  are  happy,  bcca?.'se  they  are  good." 

Conjunctions  are  divided  into  two  sorts ;  the  Copulative 
and  Disjunctive. 

The  copulative  conjunction  connects  words  and'  senten- 
ces together,  and  coniinues  the  sense  •,  as,  "  He  and  his  sif- 
ter study ;"  "  I  will  go  if  he  will  permit  me." 


216  THE    AMERICA^J    ITCSTRIJCTER. 

The  disjunctive  conjunction  joins  words  and  i^entencM 
together,  but  expresses  opposition  of  meaning  in  different 
degrees  ;  as,  *'  He  or  his  sister  studies ;"  "  Virtue  is  amia- 
ble, but  vice  is  odious." 

A  list  of  the  principal  Conjunctions. 
Copulative      And,  if,  that,  then,  both,  since,  for,  because, 
•.herefore,  wherefore. 

Diifjuvctioe.  But,  or,  nor,  as,  than,  lest,  though,  unless, 
cither,  neither,  yet,   notwithstanding,  except. 

An  Interjection  is  a  word  used  to  express  passion  or  emo- 
tion ;  usually  that  which  is  sudden  or  vi(»lent  ;  as,  O  !  oh  ! 
ah  !  aks  !  lo  !  behold  !  hark  !   hush  !  hist !  foh  !  fin  !  away  .' 
pshaw!  pish!  really!  strange!   here!  ho!  welcome !  hail .' 
PARSING  LESSON  IX. 
Conjunctions  and  Interjections. 
John  or  James  loves  me ;  but  alas  !  Peter  and  Paul  hate  me. 
Solution.     John  is  a  prpper  noun,  thirtl  person,   singular 
number,  masculine  gender,  and  nominative  case  to  the  verb 
loves,  according  to  Rule  iv.  (Repeat  the  rule.)  Or  is  a  dis- 
junctive conjunction.     James  is  a  proper  noun,  third  person 
singular  number,   masculine  gender,   nominative  case,  con 
■ected  to  John  by  the  conjunction  or,  according  to  Rule  xiir 
(Repeat  the  rule.)     Loves  is  a  regular  verb  active,   indica 
live  nK)od,  present  tense,  third  person  singular,  and  agree; 
with  its  nominative  case  John  or  James,  according  to  Ruli 
Xiv.  (Repeat  the  rule.)  Me  is  a  personal  pronoun   fust  per 
son,  singular  number,  objective  case,  and  governed  by  th(- 
verb  loves,  according  to  Rule  vi.  (Repeat  the  rule.)  But  is 
n  disjunctive  conjunction.     Alas  is  an  interjection.     Peter 
is  a  proper  noun,  third  person,  singular  num!)er,  masculine 
gender,  and  will)  the  connection  of  Paul,  forms  the  ncmlna- 
tive  case  to  tho  verb  hate,  according  to  Rule  iv.  (Repeat  the 
rule.)  And  •>  a  copulative  conjunction.     Paul  is  a  prfiper 
noun,  third  person,  singular  number,  mH.sculinQ»gei  dcr,  nom- 
inative casi',  connected  to  Peter  by  the  conjunctiofl  and,  6C-« 
cording  to  Rule  xmi.  (Repeat  the  rule.)  H.ttc  is  a  retjular 
verb  active,    indicative  mood,   pr^'scnt  tense,   third  person 
plural,  and  agrees  with  its  nominative  case  PtterziwA  Puulf 
according  to  Rule  xv.  (Repeat  the  rule.)     Me  is;:  personal 
pronoun,  first  person,  singular  number,  objective  ra>.f'.   undl 
governed  by  the  verb  hate,  according  to  Rule  vi.  (^Repeat 
tht  rule.) 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  2lf 

RULE  XIII. 

Conjunctions  connect  nouns  and  pronouns  in  the  same 
case,  and  verbs  in  the  same  moods  and  tenses;  as,  "  They 
saw  John  and  Peter  f  ''  I  taught  him  and  her  ;^^  "  They 
read  and  spell." 

RULE  XIV. 

When  two  or  more  nouns,  or  pronouns,  in  the  singular 
number,  are  connected  by  a  disjunctive  conjunction,  the 
verb  which  agrees  with  them  must  be  in  the  singular  num- 
ber; as,  "  He  or  she  icrites  ;"  "  Daniel,  David,  or  Henry,  is 
at  school." 

RULE  XV. 

When  two  or  more  nouns,  or  pronouns,  in  the  singular 
number,  are  connected  by  a  copulative  conjunction,  the  verb 
whinh  agrees  with  them,  must  be  in  the  plural  number ;  ay, 
"  He  and  she  are  dutiful ;"  "  Daniel,  David,  and  Henry,  are 
at  school." 

Meekness  and  modesty  adorn  the  female  youth. 

There  is  in  many  minds  neither  knowledge  nor  taste. 

Oh  !  I  have  alienated  my  friend  ;  alas  !  I  fear  for  life. 

We  in  vain  look  for  a  path  between  virtue  and  vice. 

By  diligence  and  frugality  we  arrive  at  competency. 

His  father,  mother  and  brother,  reside  at  New- York. 

Guilt  often  casts  a  damp  over  our  sprightliest  hours. 

He  has  equal  knowledge,  but  inferiour  judgement. 

Prudence  and  perseverance  overcome  all  obstacles. 

Whom  ye  ignorantly  worship,  him  declare  I  unto  you. 

You  employ  all  your  time  in  study  and  exercise. 

Study  strengthens  the  mind,  and  exercise  the  body. 

I  often  see  good  people  bestowing  alms  on  the  poor. 

Idleness  and  ignorance  produce  many  vices. 

The  wisest  and  best  men  sometimes  commit  errours. 

The  boy  will  have  completed  his  task  before  you  see  him. 

The  coach  and  horses  will  have  arrived  to-morrow. 

Mary  studies  better  than  Caroline  or  Elizabeth. 

Those  who  labour  with  diiisence,  succeed  in  business. 

The  sun  rules  the  day,  and  iilumiDCS  tiie  earth. 

The  moon  rules  the  n'g'it,  and  cheers  the  wanderer. 

She  resides  in  the  city  ;  but  he  in  the  country. 

Joseph  forgave  his  bretliren,  because  he  was  merciful. 

He  went  with  his  bi other,  but  -without  his  sister. 

When  the  mail  returns,  we  shall  hear  from  our  friends. 

The  man  who  keeps  his  temper,  will  not  be  rash. 

The  man  who  lies,  deceives  or  cheats,  loses  his  reputation. 

19 


218 


THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTEK. 


Conjugation  of  the  verb  to  lovb. 
SUBJUNCTIVE  MOOD. 
The  Subjunctive  Mood  e:?presses  action  or  being  in  a 
doubtful  or  conditional  manner,  and  is  preceded  by  a  con- 
junction, expressed  or  understood  ;  as,  "  //"thou  learn,  thou 
shah  be  rewarded  ;"  "  Were  he  learned,  he  would  be  wise.^ 

Piesenl    Tense  Singuhr  number.  Plural  number. 

4eDotes  present  tlrae.   1.  If  i  love,  If  we  love, 

2.  If  tliou  love,  If  ye  or  ^ou  love, 

3.  If  hclove.  If  they  love. 

Imperfect  Tense               Singvhr  number.  Plural  number. 

denotes     past     time,  l.IfIlove<i,  If  we  loved, 

.however    distant.           2.  If  ihou  luvedst,  Ifveorvou  loved, 

3.  If  ht  loved.  if 'they  loved. 


Perfect  Tense  Singular  number. 

denotes  past  tune,  but  1.  Jf  I  have  loved, 
has  reference  also   to  2.  If  thou  hast  ioted, 


the  present. 


3.  If  he  has  loved. 


Pluperfect    Tense  de-         Singulor  number. 
notes  past  time,  but  as   1.  If  i  had  loved, 
prior  to    some    other  2.  If  tiiou  hadst  loved, 
past  time  specified.        3  If  he  had  iovod. 


Plural  number. 
If  we  have  loved, 
If  ye  or  you  have  Iqred, 
If  they  have  loved. 

Plural  number. 
If  we  bad  loved. 
If  ye  0/  you  had  loved. 
If  they  had  loved. 


First  Future   Tense  Si^^icf,ir  number.  Plural  number. 

denotes  future    time.    1.  If  1  shall  or  will  love,  If  we  shall  or  will  love, 

2.  If  thou  shait  or  wilt  If  ye  oi  you  shall  or  will 

love,  loVe, 

3.  Ifhe  shall  or  will  love.  If  thry  shall  or  will  love. 


Second  futHre  Tense  Si:7:^ilarnumber.  Plural  number. 

denotes    future    time,   1.  If  I  shall  hav:-  loved,  If  we  shall  have  loved, 
but  as    prior    to  .some  2.  li   tho'i  !>.'iali  <  r  wilt  ifye  C7- you  shall  or  will 
other  future  time  spe-  have  loved  [iov<d.  ha*e  loved,  [loved. 

cified.  3  If  lieslial'cr  will  have  If fhey  shall  or  wi\l  have 

Although  the  con jin.ifni.n  :y'is  used  in  coiiju, mating  the  verb  in  the  sub- 
junctive mood,  yet  any  (•ttirr  ctnijunction.  cspressiiijf  condition,  doubt, 
Ac.  may  be  used  with  eqnai  propriety  ;  as,  though,  whether,  unlets,  S^-c. 

PARSING  I.J::SSON   X. 

Ertrciics  in  the  Subjtincti^x  Mood. 

If  Jane  per.^ist  in  wliispering,  I  sIjhI!  co'rect  her. 
Unless  she  desist  from  t;iiking,  I  shal!  admonish  her. 
Except  she  refrain  from  trifling,  I  shail  puni.sh  her. 
Though  Charles  neglect  mo.  yet  1  rcs|)c-ct  him. 
If  they  love  nii',  ihcy  will  keep  my  ccMnniandmonts. 
If  he  acquire  riches,  lie  will  make  a  good  use  of  them. 


THE    AxMERICAN     INSTRUCTER.  219 

POTENTIAL  MOOD. 

The  Potential  Mood  implies  possibility,  liberty,  power, 
will,  or  obligation,  of  action  or  being  ;  as,"  It  may  rain; 
he  may  go,  or  stay  ;  I  can  ride  ;  he  toould  walk  ;  they  shotdd 
learn y 

The  potential  mood  has  only  four  tenses,  viz.  the  Present, 
the  Imperfect,  the  Perfect,  and  Pluperfect. 

PRESENT  TENSE. 
Singular  number.  Plural  number.  ! 

1.  I  may,  ca«>,  nr  nius'  love,  We  may,  can,  or  must  love 

2.  Thou  mayst,  canst,  or  must  love,    \'e  or  you  may,  can,  or  must  loye^ 

3.  He  may,  can,  or  must  !ovc.  Tliey  may,  can,  or  must  love.  , 

imperff:ct  tense. 

Singularnunhev.  Plural  number.  , 

1.  I  might,  could,  would,  or  should    We  might,  could,  would,  or  should 

love,  k)ve, 

2.  Thou  mightsi,  couldst,  wouldst.    Ye  or  you  might,  could,  would,  or 

or  shouldst  love,  should  love,  ^ 

3.  He  might,  could,  would,  or  should    They  might, could, would, or  should 

love.  love. 

PERFECT  TENSE. 

Singular  number.  Plural  number.  '. 

I.  I  may,  can,  or  must  have  loved,     We  may,  can,  or  must  have  loved,' 
3.  Thou     mayst,    ca.nst,     or  must    Ye  or  you  may,  can,  or  must  hav« 

have  loved,  loved, 

3.  He  may,  can,  or  must  have  loved.    They  may,can,or  must  have  loved/ 

.     PLUPERFECT    TENSE. 

Singular  number.  Plural  rmmbtr. 

1.  I  miffht,  could,  would,  or  should  We  might,  could,  would,  07-shoul<£ 

have  joved,  have  loved, 

2.  Thou  m'ghtst,  couldst,  wouldst,  Ye  or  you  might,  could,  would,  or 

or  shouldst  have  loved,  should  have  loved, 

3.  He  might,  could, would,  or  should  They  might,    could,    would,    or 

have  loved.  should  have  loved. 

The  Potential  mood  becomes  the  Subjunctive,  by  means  of  the  con- 
junctions if,  though,  unless,  fzc.  being  prefixed  to  its  tenses,  without  any 
variations  from  the  potential  inflections  ;  as,  "  If  I  could  deceive  him,  L 
•hould  abhor  it." 

PARSING  LESSON  XL 

Exercises  in  the  Potential  Mood. 
We  must  be  temperate,  if  we  would  enjoy  health. 
He  may  rise  early,  for  he  must  travel  many  miles. 
We  would  not  serve  him  then,  but  we  will  hereafter. 
He  would  improve,  if  he  applied  himself  to  study. 
I  told  him  that  he  might  go,  but  he  would  not. 
He  might  have  acquired  wealth,  if  he  had  desired  it. 
The  mp.n  should  have  returned  when  he  found  them. 
He  can  acquire  no  virtue,  unless  he  make  some  sacrificdtt 
Thou  shou}d.st  not  have  boasted  in  his  presence. 
They  couU  have  perform.ed  the  business,but  they  woald  nOt» 


220  THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER 

INFIMTIVE  MOOD. 

The  Infinitive  Mood  expresses  action  or  being  in  a  genei- 
al  and  unlimited  manner  ;  huvisig  no  nominative  case,  con- 
lequently,  neither  nuniber  nor  person  ;  as,  "  To  act,  to  speak, 
to  run,  to  be  loved.''* 

The  infinitive  mood  has  only  two  tenses,  the  Present,  and 
Perfect. 

PRESENT  TENSE.  FERFECT  TENSE. 

To  love.  To  have  loved. 

IMPERATIVE  MOOD. 

The  Imperative  Mood  is  used  for  commanding,  exhoTting, 
entreating,  or  permitting  ;  as, "  Depart  thou ;  mind  ye  ; 
let  us  stay  ;  go  in  peace." 

The  imperative  mood  has  only  one  tense,  the  Present. 

PRESENT  TENSE. 
Singular  number.  Plural  number. 

9.  Love,  Love  thou,  or  do  thou  2.  Love,  Love  ye  or  you,  cr  do  ye 

lore.  or  you  love. 

PARTICIPLES. 

rRESEKT,  loving^. 

PERFECT,  loved. 

COMPOUND  PERFECT,  having  loved.  ' 

PARSING  LESSON  XII. 

Exercises  in  the  Infinitive  and  Imperative  Moods. 

Strive  to   learn. 

Solution.  Strive  is  an  irregular  verb  neuter,  imperative 
jBOod, present  tense,  second  person  singular,  and  agrees  with 
its  nominative  thou,  understood,  according  to  Rule  v.  (Re- 
peat the  rule.)  To  learn  is  a  regular  verb  active,  infinitive 
mood,  present  tense,  and  governed  by  the  verb  strive,  accor- 
ding to  Rule  xvi.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 

RULE  XVI. 
A  verb  in  the  infinitive  mood,  may  be  governed  by  a  verb, 
noun,   adjective,  or  participle  ;  as,   "  He  loves  to  learn  his 
book  ;"  "  They  have  a  desire  to  improve  ;"   "  He  is  eager 
to  learn  ;"   *•'  Endeavounng  t^  persuade.''^ 

"  The  verbs  which  follow  bid,  dare,  fed,  hear,  Ut,  make,  need,  see,  S^-c. 
•reused  in  the  infinitive  mood  witlioiit  iiaving  the  sign  to  prefixed  to 
them;  as,  "  He  lji<Is  me  romr  ,  1  dare  not  sj'^.ok ;  we  feel  the  earth 
ft^mbU :  we  hear  her  sing  ,  let  me  see  the  man  ;  I  mak<>  him  study  ;  he 
need  not  he  afraid  ;  I  see  him  nm."  In  ihcse  examples,  it  would  be 
fcielegant  to  express  the  to,  and  say,  I  heard  her  to  sing,  ^c. 


THE   AMERICAN    INSTE.UCTER.'  221 

Study  diligently,  if  you  wish  to  improve. 

A  good  man  is  unwilling  to  give  pain  to  man  or  beast. 

Leave  me,  take  otl"  his  chains  and  use  him  well. 

We  dare  not  kvi.ve  our  studies  without  pevmi'Ssion. 

We  need  not  urge  Charles  to  do  good,  he  loves  to  do  it. 

No  more  i  unbind  that  trembling  wretch  ;  let  him  depart. 

No  threatening*  could  make  him  violate  the  truth. 

Behave  well,  if  thou  lovest  virtue  or  a  good  name. 

Strive  to  imitate  the  virtues  which  thou  seest  in  others. 

Wealthy  people  have  many  temptations  to  i-esist. 

Pity  the  sorrows  and  sufferings  of  the  poor  and  needy. 

He  has  a  friend  to  assist  him  in  all  his  troubles. 

We  are  anxious  to  improve  all  our  time  in  study. 

It  gives  great  pleasure  to  see  youth  engaged  in  learning. 

I  dare  not  proceed  so  liastily,  lest  I  should  give  offence. 

You  ought  not  to  walk  too  hastily. 

Will  you  hear  me  aj>ply  the  rules  of  syntax  ? 

You  need  not  despair,  you  will  make  a  good  scholar. 

Conjugation  of  the  Verb  to  be. 

INDICATIVE    MOOD. 

PRESENT  TENSE. 

Pntsent  Tense  ^iagjdar  nnmbf.r.  Plural  number. 

denotes  present  time.    1.  J  a;Ti,  We  are, 

2.  Thou  ait,  Ve  or  you  are, 

3.  He,  she  or  it  is.  Tliey  are. 

IMPERFECT  TENSE. 

Imperfect  Tense  RinguJar  number.  Plural  number. 

denotes     past     time,   1.  1  vas,  We  were, 

however  distant.  2.  Tboii  wast.  Ye  or  you  were, 

'A.  He  was.  Tliey  were. 

PERFECT  TENSE. 

Perfect  Teytsp.  lingular  nu~nbtr.  Pli/ral  number. 

denotes  past  time,  but   1. 1  have  !>sei!.  We  iiavc  been, 

has  reference  also  lo  2.  Thou  hast  bre.i,  Ye  o/- you  have  been, 

the  present.  3.  He  hatho>has  hecn.  Thsy  have  been. 

PLUPERFECT  TENSE.  '' 

Pluperfect  Tense  Singular  number.  tr-  Plural  nvmber. 

denotes  past  time,  but  1.  I  hau  been,  We  !  ad  t).oen, 

as  prior  to  some  other  2.  T!!Oii  hadst  been,  Ye  or  you  l;ad  been, 
past  time  speeified.        3.  He  had  been.  1  hey  had  been. 

FIRST  FUTURE  TENSE.  *'       . 

Singular  number.  Plvral  raunber. 

First  future  Tense       1.  I  shall  or  will  be.       We  shall  or  will  be, 
denotes  future  time.     2.  Thou  shaltor  wiitbe,  Yeoj-youshallorwillbe^ 
3.  He  shall  or  will  be.    They  shall  cr  will  bei. 
19* 


222 


THE  AMERICAN  INSTRUC'TER. 


SECOND  FUTURE  TENSE. 


Singular  number.  P Inrat number . 

1.  I  shail  have  been,  We  shall  have  been, 

2.  Thou   shalt    or  wilt  Ye  or  you  shall  or  will 
have  been,  have  been. 

other  future  time  spe-  3.  He  shall  or  will  have  They  shall  or  will  hftTe 
cified.                                     been.  been. 


Second  future  Tense, 
denotes  future  time, 
but  as  prior   to  some 


SUBJUNCTIVE  MOOD. 


Singular  number 

1.  If  F  be, 

2.  If  thou  be, 

3.  If  he  be. 


Singular  number. 

1.  If  1  am, 

2.  If  thou  art, 

3.  If  he  is. 


Singular  number. 
i    If  i  were, 

2.  If  thou  wert, 

3.  If  he  were. 


Sineular  number. 

1.  If  1  was, 

2.  If  thou  wast, 

3.  If  he  was. 


PRESENT  TENSE. 

Plural  number. 
If  we  be. 
If  ye  or  you  be. 
If  they  be. 

Or  thus  : 

Plural  number. 
If  we  are. 
If  ye  or  you  are. 
If  tliey  are. 

IMPERFECT  TENSE. 

Plural  number. 
If  we  were, 
If  ye  or  you  were. 
If  they  were. 


Or  thus 


Plural  immbei: 
If  we  were, 
If  ye  or  you  were, 
If  tlicy  were. 


The   remaining  tenses  of  this  mood,  are  similar  to  tb« 
correspondent  tenses  of  the  Indicative  Mood. 

POTENTIAL  MOOD. 

PRESENT  TENSE. 

.Singular  number.  Plural  tnrnhcr. 

1.  I  may,  can,  or  must  be.  We  may,  can,  or  must  be, 

S.  Thou  mayst,  c.'or  m.  be,  Ye  or  you  may,  c.  or  m.  be, 

3.  He  may,  c.  or  m.  be.  They  may,  c.  or  m   bo. 

IMPERFECT  TENSE. 

Singularnumbcr.  [be,  Plural  nvmhrr,  [be, 

1.  I  might,  could,  would,  or  should  We  might,  could,  would,  or  shonld 
3.  Thou  mightst,  c.  w.  or  s.  be.  Ye  or  you  might,  c.  w.  or  s.  be, 

8.  He  might,  c  w.  or  should  be.         They  might,  c.  w.  or  s.  be. 

PERFECT  TENSE. 
Singular  mimber.  Plural  number, 

1. 1  may,  can,  or  must  have  been,    We  may,  can,  or  must  have  been, 
3.  Thou  mayst,  c.  or  m.  have  been,  Ye  or  you  m.  c.  or  m.  have  been, 
t.H*  in«y,  c.  or  m.  hav«  been.         They  m.  c.  or  must  have  been. 


THE   AMERIC'AlV    INSTRUCTEK.  22d> 

PLUPERFECT  TENSE. 

Singularnumbev.       '  Plural  number 

1    1  might  cnuld,  would,  or  should  We  might,  could,  would,  or  ^ould 

have  been.  ^      have  been, 

2.  Thou  mif^htst.c  w.  or  s-hnve  been  Ve  or  you  m.  c.  w.  or  s.  have  been, 
3!  He  mjghl,  c.  w.  or  «-  •ii^'e  been.  They  m.  c.  w.  01:  s.  have  been. 

INFINITIVE    MOOD. 

PRESENT  TENSE.  PERFECT  TENSE. 

To  be.  io  have  been. 

IMPERATIVE  MOOD, 

PRESENT  TENSE 
Singular  7mmb?r.  Plural  number. 

2.  Be,  be  thou,  or  do  2.  Be,  be  ye  or  you,  or  do  ye 

thou  be.  or  you  be. 

PARTICIPLES. 

Prfsfnt,  Being. 

Perfect,  Been. 

Compound  FERFECT,  Having  been. 

PARSING  LESSON   XIIL 

The  verh  to  be. 
Charity  is  the  first  law  of  humanity. 
Solution  of  laiD.     Laiv  is  a  common  noun,  third   person, 
gingular  number,  neuter  gender,  and  nominative   case  after 
the  verb  is,  according  to  Rule  xvii.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 

RULE  XVII. 

The  verb  to  be,  through  all  its  variations,  and  passive  verbs 
which  signify  naming,  have  the  same  case  after,  as  before 
them ;  as,  "  It  is  /,  be  not  afraid  ;"  "  Wliom  do  you  fancy 
Mm  to  be ;"  "  The  child  was  named  Thomas  ;"  "  Hofner 
is  styled  the  prince  of  poets." 

Idleness  is  the  mother  of  many  vices. 

Hope  is  the  last  thing  that  dies  in  man. 

He  is  not  tha  person  who  it  seemed  he  was. 

It  might  have  been  he,  but  theie  is  no  proof  of  it. 

Food,  clothing,  and  credit,  are  the  rewards  of  industry. 

The  path  of  virtue,  is  the  path  of  peace. 

Our  duty  to  benefactors,  is  love  and  gratitude. 

Meekness  and  modesty  are  ornaments  of  youth. 

Peace  and  happiness  are  the  rewards  of  virtue. 

Regret  and  shame  are  the  attendants  of  vice. 

I  perceive  that  it  is  folly  to  grieve  at  trifles. 

Youth  is  the  season  for  improvement  in  knowledge. 


224  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

Conjugation  of  the  Passive  Verb  r<j>  be  loved. 

•  A  passive  verb  is  formed  by  adding  a  perfect  participle 
to  the  verb  6e,  through  all  its  variations,  in  the  following 
manner. 

INDICATIVE  MOOD. 

PRESENT  TFNSE. 
Singular  number.  PLvral  number. 

1.  I  am  loved,  We  are  loved. 

2.  Thou  art  loved,  Ye  cr  yo:)  arc  loved, 

3.  He  is  loved.  Tiiey  ave  loved. 

IMPERFECT  TENSE. 

Singular  number.  Plural  ^ftmber, 

1.  I  was  loved,  We  were  io'-ed, 

2.  Thou  wast  loved,  Ye  or  you  we:-";  loved, 

3.  He  was  loved.  Tiiey  \*eie  loved. 

PERFECT  TENSE. 
Singular  number.  Piwd  number. 

1.  I  have  been  loved,  We  have  been  loved, 

2.  Thou  hast  been  loved.  Ye  or  you  have  been  loved, 
3".  He  has  been  loved.  They  have  been  loved. 

PLUPERFECT  TENSE. 

Singular  7iumber.  Plural  number. 

1.  1  had  been  loved.  We  had  been  loved, 

2.  Thi)U  hadst  been  loved,  Yi;  or  yon  had  been  loved, 

3.  He  had  been  loved.  They  had  been  loved. 

FIRST  FUTURE  TENSE. 
Singular  number.  Plural  number, 

\.  I  shall  or  will  be  loved,  We  shall  or  will  be  lovea, 

2.  Thou  shalt  or  wilt  be  loved,         Ye  or  you  shall  or  will  be  loved, 

3.  He  shall  or  will  be  loved.  They  shall  or  will  be  loved. 

SECOND  FUTURE  TENSE. 

Sing7ilar  number.  Plural  nnmhcr. 

1.  I  shall  have  been  loved,  [loved.  Wo  shall  have  been  loved,  floved, 
2- Thou  shalt  or  wilt  have  been  Ye  or  you  shnll  or  will  have  been 
3.  He  shall  or  will  have  been  loved.  They  shall  or  will  have  been  loved. 

SUBJUNCTIVE  MOOD. 
^PRESENT  TEiNSE. 

Singular  numher.  Plural  number. 

1.  If  I  be  loved,  Ifwe  be  loved, 

2.  If  thou  be  loved,  Ifye  or  you  be  loved, 

3.  If  he  be  loved.  If  they  be  loved. 

Or  thus : 

Singular  numher.  Plural  number. 

1.  If  I  am  loved,  Ifwe  are  loved, 

2.  If  thou  art  loved.  If  yo  or  you  are  loved, 

3.  If  he  is  loved.  J[f  they  are  loved. 


THE   AMERICAN   INSTRUCTER.  225 

IMPERFECT  TENSE. 

Sirtgular  number.  Plural  number. 

1.  If  I  were  loved,  If  we  were  loved, 

2.  If  thou  wert  loved,  If  ve  or  you  were  loyed, 
'6.  If  he  were  loved.                          If  they  were  loved. 

Or  thus  ; 

Singular  number.  Plural  number. 

1.  If  1  was  loved,  If  we  were  loved, 

2.  If  thou  wast  loved,  If  je  or  you  were  loved, 
8.  If  ke  was  loved.  If  they  were  loved. 

Tlip  remaining  tenses  of  tliis  mood,  are  similar  to  the  cor- 
respondeui  icnsesof  the  Indicative  Mood. 

POTENTIAL  MOOD. 
PRESENT  TENSE. 

Singular  number.  Plural  number. 

1.  I  may    can,  ^r  must  be  loved.       We  may,  c.  or  m.  beloved, 

2.  Thou  may  St,  c  or  m.  be  loved,      Ye  or  you  in.  c.  or  xa.  be  loved, 

3.  He  may,' c.  or  in.  be  loved.  They  m.  c.  or  in.  be  loved. 

IMPERFECT  TENSE. 

•SinguLiT  number  Plural  number. 

I'.T  inifflit,  could,  would,  or  should  We  mi^ht,  could,  would,  o/- should 
be  loved,  be  loved, 

2.  Thou  mightst,  c.  w  or  s.be  loved,  Ye  or  you  m.  c.  w.  or  s.  beloved, 

3,  He  might,  c.  w.  or  s.  be  loved.      They  m.  c.  w.  or  s.  be  loved. 

PERFECT  TENSE. 

Sin!>,tdar  number.  [loved,  Plural  number. 

1.  I  niay,  can,  or  must  have  been  We  may,  c.  arm. have  been  loved, 

2.  Thou  mayst,  c.  or  m.  have  been  Ye  or  you  may,c.  or  m.  have  beea 

loved,  loved, 

8.  He  may ,c.  or  m.  have  been  loved.  They  may,  c.  o»*  m.  have  beenloveil. 

PLUPERFECT  TENSE. 

Singular  number.  Plural  number. 

1.  1  might,  could,  would,  or  should  We  might,  could,  would,  or  should 

have  been  loved,  have  been  loved, 

8.  Thou  mightst,  c.  w.  ors.  have  Ye  or  you  m.  c.  w.  or  s.  have  been 
been  loved,  [loved.  "loved, 

3.  He  might,  c.  w.  or  s.  have  been  They  m.  c.  w.  or  s.  have  beea U>v«d. 

INFINITIVE  MOOD. 

PRESENT  TENSE.  PERFECT  TENSE. 

To  be  loved.  To  have  been  loved. 

IMPERATIVE  MOOD. 
PRESENT  TENSE. 

Si7igular  number.  Plural  number. 

2.  Be  loved,  be  thou  loved,  or  do    Be  loved,  be  ye  or  you  loTCd,  or  do 

thou  be  loved.  ,  ye  or  you  be  loved. 

PARTICIPLES. 

PRESEKT,  Being  loved. 

COMPOUND  p^EBricT,  Having  becnJoved. 

I 


S2% 


THE    AMERICAN    I.XSTRUCTER. 


PARSING  LESSOiN  XIV. 
J-^assivc  Vtrbs. 
The  master  teaches  the  neighbour's  little  children. 
The  neighbour's  little  children  are  taught  by  the  master. 
The  carpenter  built  those  eles^ant  houses. 
Those  elegant  houses  were  built  by  the  carpenter. 
The  industrious  fanner  cultivates  his  farm  woU. 
The  farm  is  well  cuhivatod  ))y  the  industrious  farmer. 
He  should  have  been  carried,  had  I  known  his  situation. 
Being  ridiculed  and  despised,  he  became  melancholy. 
Having  been  ridiculed,  he  left  the  company. 
Ridiculed,  despised,  and  insulted,  he  became  discouraged. 
If  he  has  been  seen,  he  has  not  been  caught. 
If  I  were  beaten  as  badly  as  he,  I  should  complain. 
You  are  esteemed  because  you  arc  honest.  [formed. 

Mentally  and  bodily,  we  are  curiously   and  wonderfully 
The  person  will  have  been  executed  when  the  pardon 

arrives. 
He  is  esteemed,  both  by  his  parents  and  brothers. 
A  plain  understanding,  is  often  joined  with  great  ivorth. 

A  CATALOGUE  OF  IRREGULAR  VKRBS. 

following  list,  the  verbs  wiiich  are  conjugated  reg- 
well  as  irregularly,  are  marked  with  an  r. 

Imperfect.  Perfect  j^art. 


In  the 
ularly  as 

Present 
tense.' 
Abide 
Am 
Arise 
Awake 
Beat 

Beat 

Begin 
Bend 
Bereave 
Beseech 


Bid 

Bind 

Bite 

Bleed 

Blow 

Break 

Breed 

Bring- 

Build 

Buist 

»U7 


Imptrject 
tense. 
abode 
*vas 
arose 
awoke  B. 
bore 

beat 

began 

bent 

bereft  p.. 

besought 

bid,  or 

bade 

bound 

bit 

bled 

blew 

broke 

bred 

brought 

built 

burst 

bought 


Perfect 

participle. 

abode 

Dcen 

arisen 

awaked 

boruc 

beat,  or    t 

beaten      ) 

begun 

bent 

bo  re  ft  R. 

besought 

bid,  or   > 

bidden  ) 

bound 

bitten,  bit 

bled 

blown 

broken 

bred 

brought 

built 

burst 

bought 


Present, 

Cast 

Catch 

Chide 


cast 
caiiglit  n. 

chid 


Choose 

chose 

Cleave, 

clove,  vr 

/()  split 

cleft 

Cling 

clung 

Clotlie 

clothed 

Come 

came 

Cost 

cost 

Crow 

crow  R 

(  reep 

crept 

Cut 

cut 

Dare» 

durst 

Deal 

dealt  R. 

Dig 

dug  R. 

Do 

di.l 

Draw 

drew 

Drive 

drove 

Drink 

drank 

Dwell 

dwelt  B. 

V.ixt 

cat,  o;ate 

J'all 

fell 

or   ( 
Jen   { 


cast 

caught  R. 

chitl,  or 

chidde 

chosen 

cleft,  or\ 

cloven 

clung 

clad  u. 

come 

cost 

crowed 

orept 

cut 

dared 

dealt  B. 

dug  R 

done 

drawn, 

driven 

drunk 

dwelt  R, 

eateo 

fallen 


•  l}»rc>.  to  v»r'^ — 


to  challenge,  r. 


1'ME   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTEP 


22t 


Present. 

Imperfect. 

Per/,  part. 

Presenl. 

Iinjierfect, 

Per/.  ■partJ 

Feed 

fed 

fed 

Shake 

shook 

shaken 

Feel 

felt 

felt 

Shapo 

shaped 

sltapen  B. 

Fight 

fought 

fought 

Shave 

shaved 

shaven  b. 

Find 

found 

found 

Shear 

sheared 

shorn  B. 

Flee 

fled 

fled 

Shed 

shed 

shed 

v;;^ 

flung 

flung 

Shine 

shone  r. 

shone  ft* 

flew 

flown 

Show 

showed 

showiij 

forgotten  } 

Shoe 

shod 

shod    , 

Foiget 

forgot 

forgot        ^ 

Shoot 

shot 

shot 

Forsake 

forsook 

forsaken 

Shrink 

shrunk 

shrunk  . 

Freeze 

froze 

frozen 

Shred 

shred 

shred 

Get 

got 

got 

Shut 

shut 

shut 

Gild 
Gird 

giltR. 
giitR. 

gilt   R. 

girt  K. 

Sing 
Sink 

sung,  san 
sunk,  san 

k  suuk 

Give 

g;ive 

given 

Sit 

sat 

sat 

Go 

went 

gone 

S!;iy 

sfow 

siaia 

Grave 

giaved 

graven  r 

Sleep 

slept 

slept 

Grind 

ground 

ijrouini 

oilde 

slid 

sliddea 

Grow 

grew 

gr<!wn 

&lmg 

slurtg 

slung 

Have 

had 

had 

Slink 

slunk 

slunk 

Hang 

hung  Hi 

hung  R. 

Slit 

slit  R. 

slit  R. 

Hear 

heard 

heard 

Suiite  ,, 

siriore 

smitten 

Hew 

hewed 

hf '.vn  n. 

Sow 

Sowed 

sown  B> 

Hide 

hid 

hidden,  hid 

Speak 

spoke 

spoken 

Hit 

hit 

hit 

Speed 

sped 

s}>ed 

HoW 

held 

held 

Spend 

sprut 

spent 

Hurt 

hurt 

hurt 

Spill 

Sjjiit  n 

spilt  n. 

Keep 

kept 

kept 

Spin 
Spit 

spun 

spun 

Knit 

knitn. 

knit  R. 

t8)it 

spit 

Know 

knew 

known 

Split 

split 

split 

Lade 

]aded 

liiden 

Sprta.l 

spread 

spread 

Lay 
Lead 

laid 
led 

laid 
IrJ 

Sprir": 

r         o 

sprung  > 
sprang  ^ 

'sprung 

Leave 

k-f« 

left 

Si  and 

stood 

stood 

Lend 

lent 

lent 

Steal 

siole 

stolen 

Let 

let 

Ut 

Strck 

ttuck 

stuck 

Lie* 

lay 

loin 

§^!"p 

stung 

sterner 

Load 

loaded 

laden  r. 

Sunk 

stunk 

stunk 

Lose 

lost 

lost 

Stride 

strrd,  <; 

strid,  or 

Make 

made 

jiiade 

strode 

striddea 

Meet 

met 

met 

Strike 

stiuck 

struck 

Mov 

mowed 

mown  n. 

String 

sprung 

Strung 

Pav 

paid 

paid 

Strive 

strove 

striven 

Fut 

put 

put 

Sy-car 

swore? 

sworn 

Fead 

read 

read 

S-.vnat 

sweat  R. 

fcweat  R. 

Rend 

rent 

re 'It 

Swell 

ewciied 

t.'^cUea  K. 

Rifl 

rid 

rid 

-,    . 

SWI-.i-l 

Rii.- 

rung, 

lurjff 

.jv,  rm 

sw.iin 

swum 

Rise 

rose 

iise;i 

Ln";nc 

sw.nig 

swung 

IClve 

iived 

liven 

iake" 

took  - 

taken 

Run 

ran 

run 

;tVat:h 

taught 

taught 

Saw 

Siiwed 

sawn  n. 

Tear 

tore 

torn 

Say 

said 

said 

Tell 

told 

told  . 

See 

saw 

seen 

Tiiink 

thougiit 

thought 

seek 

sougiit 

souc-ht 

'  Tr.rive 

throve  E. 

thriven 

Sell 

sold 

•;;.iti' 

jlfitOW 

threvv- 

thrown 

Send 

sent 

spnt 

Thrust 

thrust 

thrust 

Set 

set 

SCI 

Tread 

trod 

froddea, 

*li'. 

to  !ic  down 

\y-^.x 

\Vaxcd 

waxen  R. 

Presfitn, 
Wear 

Ii'ipevfecl. 
More 

.  Pfif.  fart 
worn 

Weave 

wove 

woven 

■VVecp 
Win 

wept 
won 

wept 

228  THE  AMERICAN  i^SMlUCTER. 

Present.  Imjierfvct.     Per/',  jxirt. 

Wind.  wound  wound 

^\'ork  wrought  n.  wrought  r. 

Wring  wrung  wrung 

Write  wrote  written 

.Defective  verbs  are  those  which  ore  used  only  injsome  of 
the  moods  and  teases,  and  have  no  participles. 
The  principal  of  theiu'^jire  the  following. 

Presfiii.  Imperfect.  Perfect  pari,  ivanllng, 

JVlny,  miaht.  — 

Can,  could.  

Will,  would.  

Shall,  ^iiu.uUi.  

Must.  ji.iist.  ■ 

Ought,  oii-ht.  

All  t"nc30  are  \ised  a.s  auxiilai  ics  except  ought  and  quoth  :  these  two 
arc  never  used  as  such.  Ouf^ht  is  the  same  in  both  tenses.  Its  tense 
may  be  determined  by  the  following  infinitive.  When  the  following  in- 
finitive is  in  the  present  tense,  ougltt  is  in  the  present  tense  ;  as,  "  He 
vu^lit  to  go  ;'■  and  when  followed  by  the  infinitive  perfect,  ought  is  ia 
the  impei-fect  tense  ;  as,  "  He  ought  to  have  gone."  Quoth  is  now  obso- 
lete, except  in  poetry  and  burlesque. 

PARSING  LESSOxX  XV. 

Nouns  in  ajipositioti,  and  in  the  nominative  case  independent, 
George,  James  Monroe  the  president,  is  a  wise  man. 
Solution  of  George,  James  Monroe,  and  prcrddcnt.  Georgt 
is  a  proper  noun,  second  person,  singidar  number,  mascu- 
line gender,  and  in  the  nominative  case  independent,  ac- 
cording to  R.ULE  xviri.  (Rejjcat  the  nile,)  James  Monroe 
is  a  proper  noun,  third  person,  singidar  lunaber,  masculine 
jiieuder,  and  nominative  case  to  the  verb  is,  according  to 
KuLE  IV.  (Krj.icat  the  rule.)  President  is  a  common  noun, 
third  perso!),  singular  number,  mnsculine  gender,  nomina- 
tive case,  and  put  in  apposition*  with  the  noun  James  Mon- 
roe ;  accordint  to  KuLE  xix.  (RejJcat  lite  rule.) 

RULE  XVllI. 

When  a  direct  address  i>?  made,  llie  noun  or  pronoun  is 
in  the  nominative  case  independent  ;i  as,"  O  king,  live  for- 
ever ;"  <'  O  hoifsc  <-f  krael ;"  "  Children,  obey  your  pa- 
rents; "  "  O  thou  man  of  God." 

•  By  apposition  is  understood,  the  addition  of  another  word  or  name 
*or  the  same  persasi  or  thing,  in  oi  der  more  fully  to  define  j»t»d  explalu 
the   meaning  or  .loni'o  of  it.  * 

♦  What  is  iicicant  iyy  its  being  inJeycndent,  is,  that  it  is  indepcndejit  oC 
M>J  verb.     Jt  isiudcpcndcntonly,  when  it  has  no  verb  to  agree  with  it. 


"   THE  AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.'  33S 

RULE  XIX. 

Two  or  more  nouns  signifying  the  same  thing,  are  put,  by 
apposition,  in  the  same  case  ;  as,  "  Paul  the  Apostle  }" 
«  Solomon,  the  son  of  David,  king  of  Israel" 

Girls,  you  understand  this  rule  very  well. 

Boys,  I  love  you  for  your  good  conduct. 

Newton  the  philosopher,  was  a  wise  man. 

Washington  the  general,  commanded  the  army. 

Christ  the  Saviour,  was  crucified  on  Calvary. 

Father,  forgive  them,  they  know  not  what  they  do. 

It  must  be  so,  Plato,  thou  reasonest  well.  [rents. 

Parents,  instruct  your  children  :   Children,  obey  your  pa- 
Richard  the  instructer,  teaches  his  neighbour's  children. 

Clinton  the  governour  of  the  state  of  New-York,  is  at 
Albany. 

James  Monroe,  president  of  the  United  States,  is  at  Wash- 
ington. 

The  nominative  case  is  sometimes  composed  of  the  infini- 
tive mood,  or  part  of  a  sentence. 

PARSING  LESSON  XVL 

To  see  is  desirable.      To  sec  the  sun  is  pleasant. 

Solution  of  to  see,  and  to  see  the  sun.  To  see  is  a  verb 
in  the  infinitive  mood,  and  the  nominative  case  to  the  verb  ii, 
according  to  Rule  xx.  (Repeat  the  rule.)  To  see  the  sun  is 
part  of  a  sentence,  which  is  the  nominative  case  to  the 
verb  is,  according  to  Rule  xx.  (Repeat  the  rule.) 

RULE  XX. 

'  The  infinitive  mood,  or  part  of  a  sentence,  is  sometimes 
put  as  the  nominative  case  to  the  verb  ;  as,  "  To  swear  is 
wicked ;"  "  That  any  thing  can  exist,  without  existing  in 
space,  is  to  my  mind  incomprehensible." 

To  err  is  human  :  to  forgive  divine. 

To  swear  is  wicked  :  to  steal  criminal. 

To  live  is  desirable :  to  die  dreadful. 

To  excel  others  in  learning,  is  commendable. 

To  die  is  tlie  inevitable  lot  of  ttian. 

To  live  a  life  of  vi;-tue,  is  commendable. 

To  sleep  the  sleep  of  death,  is  the  Iq^  of  man. 

To  love  our  Maker,  is  our  reasonable  duty. 

That  virtue  will  be  rewarded,  and  vic^  punished,  is  a  doe* 
trine  plainly  taught  in  the  Bible. 
20 


23C  THE  AMERICAN    IMSTRUCTER. 

'      PARSING  LESSON  XVII. 

Nominative  cast  absohUc. 
'    The  general  being  slain,  the  arm}'  was  routed. 

Solution.  The  general  being  si ai a,  being  independent  on 
the  rest  of  the  sentence,  is  the  nominative  case  absolute,  ac- 
cording to  Rule  XXI.      (Repeat  the  rule.) 

RULE  XXI. 

A  noun  or  pronoun,  joined  wiih  a  participle,  independent 
of  a  verb,  fortns  tlic  nominative  case  absolute ;  as,  "  The 
tecttire  being  finished,  the  assembly  withdrew ;"  "  Shame 
being  lost,  all  virtue  is  lost." 

The  rain  having  ceased,  the  men  pursued  their  journey. 

The  sun  being  risen,  the  weatiier  became  fine. 

She  having  arrived,  avc  retired  to  the  country. 

They  having  departed,  we  proceeded  towards  the  city. 

He  being  dismissed,  they  returned  to  the  village. 

The  assembly  being  composed,  he  resumed  liis- oration. 

They  being  friendly,  we  accomplished  our  object. 

The  parliament  having  justified  the  king's  conduct,  the 
mob  dispersed. 

PROMISCUOUS  EXERCISES  IN  PARSING. 
PARSING  LESSON  XVIIL 

Hope,  the  balm  of  life,  sooths  the  soul. 

Beware  of  one  who  has  been  your  enemy. 

He  cannot  go  wrong  whom  virtue  guides. 

We  should  be  generous  but  not  profligate. 

We  should  prefer  our  duty  to  our  pleasure. 

Keep  yourself  from  passion  <fhd  peevishness. 

They  who  seek  wisdom,  will  certainly  find  her. 

Yielding  to  immoral  pleasure,  corrupts  the  heart. 

We  should  not  practice  wliat  we  blame  in  others. 

If  our  desires  be  moderate,  our  wants  \v\\\  be  few. 

Indolence  frustrates  every  <lc?ign  of  our  existence. 

To  have  good  and  kind  parents,  is  a  great  blessing. 

Guilt  often  casts  a  damp  over  our  sprighlliest  hours. 

Bad  as  the  world  is,  respect  is  always  paid  to  virtue. 

Young  people  should  reverence  their  parents  at  home, 
strangers  when  abroad,  and  thein.-iolvcs  when  alone. 

Learning  is  the  delight  of  youth,  the  comfort  of  «kl  age, 
ind  the  only  sure  guide  to  honour  and  preferment. 

Thosf  ar«'  the  best  instructors,  tiiat  teach  in  their  lives, 
»nd  prove  their  words  by  tluMr  actions. 


THE  AMERICAN  l^■STRUCT£Ti.  231 

They  tliat  speak  without  Citre,  often  remember  their  own 
words  v/ith  sorrow. 

Anger  may  glance  into  the  breast  of  a  v/ise  man,  but  it 
rests  only  in  the  bo«om  of  fool,?. 

Interest  speaks  all  sorts  of  Iiingnr.fres,  and  acts  all  manner 
of  parts  ;  virtues  are  lost  in  interest,  as  rivers  in  seas. 

Wisdom  leads'" vis  to  speak  and  act  what  is  most  proper  r 
prudence  prevents  our  speaking  or  acting  iniproperlj'. 

Virtue,  corrupsed  with  vain  glory,  turns  to  pride  ;  pride 
poisoned  with  malice,  becomes  vnvy. 

Join,  therefore,  humility  with  your  virtue,  and  pride  shall 
have  no  footing,  nor  envy  find  an  entrance. 

A  good  word  is  an  easy  obligation,  but  not  to  speak  ill, 
•requires  only  our  silence,  which  costs  us  nothing. 

A  good  conscience  seats  the  mind  on  a  rich  throne  of 
lasting  quietness  ;  but  horrour  v/aits  upon  a  guilty  souL 

Passion  is  a  sort  of  fever  in  the  mind,  whicii  always  leaves 
us  weaker  than  it  found  us. 

The  expectation  of  future  happiness,  is  the  best  relief  of 
aaxious  thoughts,  the  most  perfect  cure  of  melancholy,  the 
guide  of  life,  and  a  comfort  in  death. 

Dihgence  is  a  fair  fortune,  andifedustryagood  estate  :  idle- 
ness wastes  a  man  as  insensibly,  as  industry  improves  him. 

Diligence,  the  handmaid  of  providence,  is  parent  of  intel- 
ligence, and  the  noble  dispenser  of  excellence  ;  all  arts  and 
sciences  are  at  her  command,  she  crowns  her  sons  ajid  lov- 
ers with  riches  and  lionour.. 

The  vl?!>lation  of  truth,  is  so  infamous  a  crime,  that  it  ought 
to  be  avoided  by  every  one.       -^  ' 

Lying  is  one  of  the  most  scandalous  sins  that  can  be  com- 
mitted between  man  and  man  ;  a  crime  of  a  deep  die,  and 
of  an  extensive  nature,  leading  into  innumerable  sins ;  for 
lying  is  practised  to  deceive,  injure,  betray,  rob,  and  desU'oy. 

The  luxurious  live  to  eat  and  drink ,  but  the  wise  and 
temperate  eat  and  drink  to  live. 

Wisdom  is  better  without  an  iuheritance.,  than  an  ioberi-* 
tance  without  wisdom. 

A  great  fortune  in  the  hands  of  a  fool,  is  a  great  misfor- 
tune,    'llie  more  riches  he  has,  the  greater  fool  he  is. 

True  friendship  is  like  sound  health,  the  value  of  it  is 
seldom  known  until  it  is  lost. 

None  are  so  fond  of  secrets',  as  those  who  do  not  mean 
to  keep  them  ;  such  persons  covet  secrets,  as  a  spendthrift 
icovets  money,  for  the  piu-pose  of  cijcujation. 


232  THE    AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  . 

PARSING  LESSON  XIX. 

A  few  examples  in  which  the  same  word  differently  situa- 
ted  or  applied,  constitutes  several  of  the  parts  of  speech. 
Damp  air  is  injurious  to  health. 
Guih  sheds  a  chiinj)  upon  our  sprightliest  hours. 
Let  no  disapjjoinlnient  damp  your  enterprise. 
Every  being  loves  its  like. 
The  gospel  makes  like  promises  to  all. 
I  like  to  see  every  human  being  happy. 
You  should  acquit  yourselves  like  men. 
Those  that  would  excel,  must  be  attentive. 
I  wish  that  that  idea  might  be  forcibly  impressed 
I  wish  that  he  would  lend  me  that  book  that  you  sold  hiOQU 
I  will  submit,  y^r  submission  brings  peace. 
It  is  for  our  health  to  be  temperate. 
We  all  hope  for  happiness  hereafter. 
Hope  is  the  last  thing  that  dies  in  man. 
After  a  calm,  we  may  expect  a  storm. 
It  is  easier  to  prevent  passion  than  to  calm  it. 
A  calm  evening  often  succeeds  a  stormy  day. 
Still  waters  are  commonly  the  deepest. 
We  should  endeavour  to  still  the  angry  passions. 
They  are  still  afraid,  though  out  of  all  danger. 
fie proxided  money  for  his  journey. 
I  will  go,  provided  he  will  accompany  me. 
It  is  much  more  blessed  to  give,  than  to  receive. 
Much  money  has  been  expended  to  little  purpgw. 
Where  7m(ch  is  given,  much  will  be  required. 
T^ho  fair  was  numerously  attended. 
His  character  is  fair  and  honourable. 
The  hail  was  very  destructive. 
We  hail  you  as  friends  and  brothers. 
He  has  served  them  with  his  utmost  ability. 
When  we  do  our  utmost,  no  more  is  required. 
Utile  things  appear  great  to  little  minds. 
Little  do  the  gay  think  of  the  misery  around  them. 
The  scholars  arc  employed  in  a  very  useful  study. 
The  industrious  scholars  study  grammar. 
To-morroio  may  be  better  weather  than  to-day. 
I  read  to-day,  but  I  shall  write  to-morrow 
Mind  what  is  dictated  Ijy  infinite  wisdom. 
Cultivate  yonr  ^?;/^•^.  it  will  render  old  age  happy. 


RECAPITULATION 

OF   THE 

RUI.es  or  SYNTAX. 

Exercises  in  false  Grammar  annexed,   adapted  to  the  dif- 
ferent rules  of  Syntax;  to  he  corrected  and  parsed  by  the  learner. 

TxULE  I.* 
Articles  belong  to  nouns  which  they  limit  or  define ;  as, 
♦'^  book  ;  an  apple  ;  the  house  ;  tlie  stars." 

RULE  II. 
A  noun  or  pronoun  in  the  possessive  case,  is  govc?ned  by 
the  noun  it  possesses  ;  as,  "  John's  book  ;"  "  Pcrnfs  victo- 
ry ;"  "  Every  tree  is  known  by  its  fruit. " 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 
Moses  rod  nas  turned  into  a  serpent. 
If  ye  suffer  for  righteousnesses  sake,  happy  are  ye. 
Nevertheless,  Asa  his  heart  was  perfect  with  the  Lord. 
Thy  fathers  offence  Tfill  not  condemn  thee. 
The  girls  books  were  kept  in  better  order  than  the  boys. 
Wisdoms^ precepts  are  the  good  boys  greatest  delight. 
A  mans  manner's  frequently  influence  his  fortune. 

FxULE  III. 
Adjectives  belong  to  the  nouns  or  pronouns  which  thej 
qualify  ;  as,  "  A  tcise  man  ;   a  greair  house  ;  he  is  good.'' 

RULE  IV. 
■   The  nominative  case  governs  liioMib;  as,  '^  Thou  lor- 
est ;  he  walks  ;   birds  sing." 

Exercises  in  fahz  sun^oy. 
He   that  thinks  twice  before  he  sp3;;k  once,  will  speak 
twice  the  better  for  ii.^ 

Is  thou  well  ?     Has  thou  been  to  town  to-day  ? 
She  that  art  virtuous  deserves  esteem. 
'     The  girls  was  here  yesterday,  but  are  alsent  to-day. 

There  is  many  occasions  in  life,  in  which  silence  is  a  mark 
ef  true  wisdom.  ' 

*  There  are  no  corrections  to  be  made  under  the  I.  III.  VII.  IX.  XVI. 
and  XVIII.  Rules. 

20* 


iJJl  Till::    A.UI^llICAN    INfc^TRUCJEU. 

HULK  V. 

A  verb  must  tigicc  ^vifh  its  nominative  case  in  number 
and  pe»son  ;  as,  "  lit'  tcritcs  ;  the  tiees  groio." 

Fjccrciscs  in  false  syntax. 

Thou  slioiild  1)0  more  tliligent  in  attending  to  tliy  studies. 

Fifty  pounds  of  wheat  contains  forty  pounds  of  flour. 

Disappointments  sin!<^s  the  lieart  of  man;  but  the  renew- 
i\\  of  hope  give  consolation. 

The  mechanism  of  clocks  and  watches  were  totally  uii' 
icnown  a  few  centuries  ago. 

What  avails  the  best  sentiments,  if  people  do  not  live 
suitably  to  them  ? 

RULE  VI. 

Active  verbs  govern  the  objective  case  :  as,  "  Cain  sraote 
Abel  ;"  "  Truth  ennobles  /kV." 

Exercises  in  false  si/i/tax. 
He  that  is  idle  and  nii5>chicvoiis  reprove  sharph-. 
The  master  loves  thou,  because  tliou  art  diligent. 
The  man  who  he  raised  from  obscurity,  is  dead. 
Whatever  others  do,  let  thou  and  I  perform  our  duty 
They  who  opulence  has  made  proud,  and  who  luxury  has 
:Corrupted,  cannot  relish  the  simple  pleasures  of  nature. 

Who  have  I  reason  to  love  so  much  as  this  friend  of  my 
youth 

RULE  VIL 
Every  adjective  pronoun  belongs  to  some  noun  expressed 
©r  understood  ;  as,  "  My  house  ;  eecrt/  tree  ;  these  books ; 
any  book." 

IJULE  VIIL 
Pronouns  must  agree  with  their  antecedents,  or  the  nouns 
they  represent,   in  gender  a,iid   number  ;  as,  '■'  This  is  the 
man  whom  1  love."     "  That,is  the  vice  which  I  hate." 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 

They  which  seek  wisdom  will  certainly  find  her. 

The  prisoners  which  broke  jail,  have  returned. 

The  exercise  of  reason  appears  as  little  in  the  sportsmen, 
as  in  'the  beasts  whom  they  sometimes  hunt,  and  by  wiiom 
they  are  sometimes  hunted. 

RULE  IX. 

Participles  generally  relate  to  nouns  or  pronouns  ;.  as, 
''  Charles  loving  his  parents,  obeyed  them  ;"  "  I  saw  him 
labouring  in  the  field." 


THE  AMERICAN  INStRUCTEK.  ^Sfd 

RULE  X. 

Participles,  deiived  from  active  verbs,  govern  the  objec- 
tive case  ;  as,  "  Charles  loving  his  parents,  obeyed  them." 

Exercises  bi  false  syntax. 

Esteeming  theirselves  wise,  they  became  fools. 

Suspecting  not  only  we,  but  they  also,  he  was  studious  t© 
avoid  all  intercourse. 

I  could  not  avoid  considering,  in  some  degree,  they  as 
enemies  to  me,  and  thou  as  a  suspirious  friend. 

RULE  XL 

Adverbs  qualify  verbs,  participles,  adjectives,  and  other 
adverbs  ;  as,  "  He  wi  ites  elegantly  ;"  "  We  heard  them  se- 
cretly  contriving  evil ;"  "  She  is  very  beautiful  ;"  "  He 
speaks  very  gracefully," 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 

He  acted  agreeable  to  his  promise. 

He  conducted  himself  very  unsuitable  to  his  professioB. 

She  writes  very  neat,  and  spells  accurate. 

Very  industrious  scholars  study  constant. 

She  was  exceeding  careful  not  to  give  offence. 

He  gave  bountiful,  but  they  gave  sparing. 

He  was  prodigal,  and  his  property  is  now  near  exhausted. 

RULE  XII. 

Prepositions  govern  the  objective  case  ;  as,  "  He  went 
from  New-York  to  Boston  ;  "  I  carae  into  the  house  with 
him. 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 

From  he  that  is  needy  and  afflicted,  turn  not  away. 

I  hope  it  is  not  I  who  they  are  displeased  with. 

Does  that  boy  know  who  he  speaks  to  ? 

Who  does  he  offer  such  language  to  ? 

From  the  character  of  those  persons  who  you  associate 
with,  your  own  will  be  established. 

Associate  not  thyself  with  those  who  none  can  speak 
well  of 

What  concord  can  subsist  between  those  who  commit 
crimes,  and  they  who  abhor  them  ? 


236  THE   AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER. 

RULE  XIII. 

Conjunctions  connect  nouns  and  pronouns  in  the  same 
case,  and  verbs  in  the  same  moods  and  tenses  ;  as,  "  They 
saw  John  and  Peter  ;"  "  I  taut;ht  /ti/h  and  her  ;"  "  They 
read  and  spell." 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 

My  brother  and  him  are  tolerable  grammarians. 

She  and  him  are  very  unhappily  connected. 

He  invited  my  brother  and  I  to  see  his  garden. 

She  is  more  fond  of  reading  than  him. 

I  esteem  him,  and  her,  and  they. 

Peter  and  me  will  go  to  church  to-morrow. 

George  and  him  are  very  good  writers. 

RULE  XIV. 

When  two  or  more  nouns,  Ol*  pronouns,  in  the  singailar 
Bumber,  are  connected  by  adisjunctive  roiijunction,  the  verb 
which  agrees  with  them,  must  be  in  the  singular  number' 
as,  "  He  or  she  icritcs  ,•"  "  Daniel,  David,  or  Henry  is  at 
school," 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 

Ignorance  or  negligence  have  caused  this  mistake. 

Knowledge  or  virtue  are  preferable  to  riches. 

His  father,  mother,  or  brother,  reside  at  New- York. 

Neither  prosperity  nor  adversity  have  improved  them. 

There  are  many  faults  in  spelling,  which  neither  analogy 
nor  pronunciation  justify. 

Man's  happiness,  or  misery,  are  in  a  great  measure,  put 
into  his  own  hands. 

RULE  XV. 

When  two  or  more  nouns,  or  pronouns,  in  the  singular 
number,  are  connected  by  a  copulative  conjunction,  the  verb 
which  agrees  with  them,  must  he  in  tiu>  plural  number  ;  as, 
"  He  flwr/ she  are  dutiful;"  "  Daniel,  l)avid,  a«rf  Henry 
are  at  school. 

Exercises  in  filsc  fyntar. 

Idleness  and  ignorance  is  the  paienr  of  many  vices. 
Sobriety  and  himiility  leads  to  honou  r. 
Patience  and  diligence,  like  faith,  rcnio  ves  mountains. 
Coft'ee  and  sugar  is  imported  from  the  vV^est  Indies. 


THE  AMERICAN    INSTRUCTER.  2:^? 

In  unity  consists  the  welfare  and  security  of  every  society. 

The  inquisitive  and  curious  is  generally  talkative. 

Religion  and  knowledge  excels  Avealth  and  grandeur. 

His  polit-eness  and  good  disposition  was  entirely  chim^jod. 

Humility  and  love,  whatever  obscurities  nlaj'  involve  re- 
ligious tenets,  constitutes  the  essence  of  true  religion. 

What  signifies  the  counsel  and  care  of  preceptors,  wheii 
youth  think  th*.'y  have  no  need  of  assistance  ? 

RULE  XVI. 

A  verb  in  the  infinitive  mood,  may  be  governed  by  a  \  orb, 
noun,  adjective,  or  participle  ;  as,  "  He  loves  to  learn  his 
book  ;"  "  They  have  a  desire  to  improve;^'  "  He  is  eager  to 
learn  •"  "  Endeavouring  to  persuade.^' 

RULE  XVII, 
The  verb  to  be,  through  all  its  variations,  and  passive  Verbs 
which  signify  naming,  have  the  same  case  after,  as  before 
them ;  as,  "It  is  I,  be  not  afraid  ;"  "  Whom  do  you  fancy 
him  to  be ;"  "  The  child  was  named  Thomas  ;"  *'  Hotner  h 
styled  the  prince  of  poets." 

Exercises  in- false  syntax, 

1  believe  it  to  be  they  who  raised  the  report. 

It  was  not  me  who  made  the  noise. 

Whom  do  men  say  that  I  am  ? 

I  would  act  the  same  part,  if  I  were  him  or  in  iiis  situatiott 

Thou  art  him  who  sold  the  books. 

He  is  not  the  person  whom  he  appeared  to  be. 

Let  him  be  who  he  may,  I  am  not  afraid  of  him. 

It  might  have  been  him,  but  there  is  no  proof  of  it. 

He  is  not  the  person  whom  it  seemed  he  was. 

If  it  were  rjot  him,  who  do  you  imagine  it  to  have  been. 

He  so  much  resembled  his  brother,  that  at  first  sight  I  took 
it  to  be  he. 

I  cannot  tell  who  has  befriended  me,  unless  it  is  him /roia 
whom  I  have  received  many  benefits. 

RULE  XVIIl. 

When  a  direct  address  is  made,  the  noun   or  pronoun  is 
in  the  nominative  case  independent  ;    as,    "  O  king,  live 
forever ;"   "  O  house  of  Israel ;"   "'  Chi/'f^-v7._  olr-y  your  pa 
rents  ;"  "  O  thou  man  of  God,'' 


21S8  THE-AMEiUCAN  LNSTRUCTER. 

RULE  XIX. 

Two  or  more  nouns  signifying  tlic  same  thing,  are  put,  by 
apposition,  in  the  same  case  ;  as,  "  Paul  the  Apostle  ;'' 
"  Solomon,  the  son  of  David,  king  of  Israel." 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 

I  gave  my  book  to  James,  he  who  was  here  yesterday. 

The  estate  was  left  to  Simon  and  John,  the  two  eldest 
sons,  they  that  had  been  to  Europe 

Art  thou  acquainted  with  Clarissa  the  milliner,  she  whom 
eve  met  in  our  walks  this  morning. 

Augustus  the  Roman  empqror  ;  him  who  succeeded  Julius 
Cesar,  is  variously  described. 

'     This  house  belongs  to  William,  the  carpenter,  he  who 
built  it. 

The  money  was  left  to  David  and  Daniel,  the  two  young- 
est sons,  they  that  had  been  to  England.  . 

RULE  XX. 

The  infinitive  mood,  or  part  of  a  sentence,  is  sometimes 
put  as  the  nominative  case  to  the  verb  ;  as,  "  To  swear  is 
wicked  ;"  "  That  any  thing  can  exist,  without  existing  in 
space,  is  to  my  mind' incomprehensible  " 

Exercises  in  false  syntax. 

To  do  unto  all  men,  as  we  would  that  they,  in  similar  cir- 
cumstances, should  do  unto  us,  constitute  tiie  great  principle 
of  virtue. 

From  a  fear  of  the  world's  censure,  to  be  ashiuued  of  the 
practice  of  precepts  which  the  heart  approves  and  embraces, 
mark  a  feeble  and  imi)crfect  character. 

KULL  XXI.         ^ 

A  noun  or  pronoun,  joined  witli  a  participlo,  indopcndenT 
of  a  verb,  forms  the  nominative  rnse  absolute  ;  as,  "  The 
lecture  being  finished,  the  o^saiuWv  withdrew  ;"'  "■  Shame 
being  tost,  all  virtue  is  lost."      *" 

Exercises  in  fals<.  .  ,,.c..  .. 

♦ 

llim  liaving  <'nded  his  disco\ftsp,*'the  assembl}'  dispersed. 

Them  being  wilUng  t(>  iin]):o\f,  the  ■^tuily  was  renderei^ 
ngrecable      (.  , 

They  were  all  more  or  loss  cojisurablo,  horouly  oxceplcd. 
)vho  was  very  civcnnispect  i;;  ivr  conn'iirt. 


fiection.  Pagt- 

1.  Observatfofis  on  rash  judgment.            ..             -                  .  |6 

2.  MonosvUables.           -           -           -           -           -                -  1^ 

3.  The  diligent  Scholar.             -            -    .       -             -                -  23 

4.  Refleciiona  en  Sua-set.            -            .            .             -             -  24 

5.  Select  Sentences.        .          -          -            -        .            -            -  26 

6.  M'^nosyllables  continued.             ~             -            -              -        -  26 

7.  Monition  to  Chiidieii.              -             -             -             -            -  30 

8.  The  Village  Grsen.             .       -             -        '    -            -            -  32 

9.  To  a  Chilli  five  years  old.            -            -                         -         -  33 

10.  Monosjllableo  continued.            -             •            -            -         -  33 

11.  On  Reading.            -              -             -              -              -             -  39 

12.  Miinkind  aie  dependant  on  fach  other.             -  41 

13.  Address  from  a  Teacher  to  his  Pupils,  oq  the  usefulness  of 

learriin^.             -             -            -            -             -             -          -  41 

14.  Monosylhiblcs  continued.  -  -  -  -  -  44 
J6.  1'iic  danger  of  keeping  Bad  Curapany.              -              -         •  48 

16.  True  Pleasure,            -            -              "             -            ■              -  50 

17.  Life  is  a  flower.            ....                           -  51 

18.  Monosyllables  contiuued.            ...              -■  52 

19.  Mortafity.             .....,.,  55 

.  20.  immortalitv.            ...              .                             -  5fl 

21.  Health.             ....              -                         -  6? 

22.  Woids  of  two  syllables,  accented  on  the  fir.st.  -  -  59 
2S.  Descrijytion  of  the  Sloth.               -              -                                -  6S| 

24.  The  .Sluggard.            ...              .              -            -  64 

25.  On  Earl/Kising.       -             -              -             .            -            -  64 

26.  Words  of  two  syllables,  ecccntod  on  the  first;  Continued.  65 

27.  Au  Address  to  Parents.            -            -             -            -             -  69 

28.  Rich  and  Poor.             ......  70 

S9.  Select  Sentences.            ...            .             -            -  71 

30.  Words  cf  two  syllables,  accented  en  the  first  ;  Coniiaued.  73 

31.  The  Cio.se  of  Life.              -               -              .               •              .  77 

32.  The  Funeral.            -            -             -              .              .             .  79 

33.  The  Rose,         -..  .  .  .  .  -80 

34.  Words  of  two  svllable?,  accented  on  the  fust ;  Continued.  80 
36.  An  Address  to  Youth.  -  -  .  .  -  86 
36.  A  view  of  the  St»j  i-y  Heavens.  -  -  -  87 
37-  Words  of  two  syl!  iblcs,  accented  on  tiie  first:  Continued.  88 

38.  Cleaidiness.             -             -               -            -              -              -  93 

39.  Honour.  .  ..  .  .  .  .94 

40.  Words  of  two  syllables,  accented  on  the  first ;  Continued.  96 

41.  On  bridling  the  tongue.         -              -             ....  JOO 

42.  An  Indian  kir.g^'s  advice  to  his  Son.             -             .             „  102 

43.  Words  of  two  syl.if\bles,  .^ccer.ted  en  the  second.                 -  103 

44.  The  Pupil's  address  to  hi&  School  Coinoaaions.      -            -  108 

45.  The  fall  of  the  Leaf.             -             -         "    -            -              .  109 

46.  The  Cuckoo            .           -           -            -              -             -  110 

47.  Heavenly  WisdoiM.  -  •  -  -  .110 

48.  Words  of  two  syllables,  accented  on  the  second  ;  Contintied.  Ill 
49   Drunkenness.            -            -           .    .    .    _           .            -  117 


CONTENT?. 

lection.                                 «>  fo^*' 

6(t.  KiivajTCS  of  Dissipalion.            -            -                        -           -  fig 

61.  Description  Ota  Battle.            -              -  ]]9 

62.  Word.^  of  three  syllables,  accented  on  the  first.            '  121 

63.  Filial  Affection  ami  Intrepidity.     Story  of  Volney  Beckner, 

who  wiis  devoured  by'  a  Shark,  at  the  ajje  of  twelve  yeais.  126 

54.   Di\ino  Providence.               -             .    -         .              .  J29 

66.  Words  of  three  syllables,  accented  on  the  first ;  Continued.  131 

56.  Modesty.               -              -              .              .              .               -  136 

57.  The  pleasures  resulting  from  a  proper  use  of  our  faculties.  137 
58    Words  of  three  syllables,  accented  on  the  first;  Continued.  138 

59.  Select  Sentence.';.             .....  143 

60.  Winter. — A  Season  for  remembering-  the  Poor.                    -  146 

61.  Friendship.             -              -               -               -               -              -  146 

62.  Words  of  three  syllables,  accented  on  the  second.               -  147 

63.  On  the  Animal  World,  and  the  Scale  of  Beings.  -  151 
6-1.  On  Profane  Cursi'ig:  and  S wealing-.  ...  153 
66.  Words  of  three  syllables  accented  on  the  second;  Continued.    Ifi4 

66.  On  Procrastination.             .....  igQ 

67.  Woman.            -            -              .....  \Q2 

68.  Words  of  three  syllables,  accented  on  the  third.         -        -  163 

69.  Words  of  four  syllables,  accented  on  the  first.                      -  166 

70.  Agriculture.             -            -            .                 -                           -  168 

71.  Extract   from  a  Poem,   entitled,  "  .Agriculture,   or  Happy 

Anierican  Farmer."             .          '  .              .                            .  ]70 

72.  Words  of  (bur  syllables,  accented  on  the  second.         -         -  171 

73.  The  Wisitom  of  Pi  ovidenci- displayed  in  the  SeasoHS.        -  178 

74.  Advice  to  Youlii  on  dc<:ent  Behaviour.  -  -  -  •  179 
Irt.   Words  of  four  syllables,  accented  on  the  third.           -         -  182 

76.  VVriiinp-.              -"             ♦            -            -            -            -             -  186 

77.  Cn  saying  too  much.               -               -               ...  186 
73.  Words  of  live  syllables,  accented  on  the  second.         -         -  188 
79.  Words  of  fivt>  syllables,  accented  on  the  third.              -        -  190 
m.   What  is  tin^.e:-             -              -             -              -              -      .       -  192 

81.  Youth.            .              -             -            -            -               -            .  193 

V.2.  Night.         ...              .              .               -            -  194 

8;}.   Words  of  five  syllables,  accented  on  the  fourth.          -         -  196 

t:!4.  \Vot-<ls  of  six,  seven,  and  eiglit  syllables.        -          -            •  196 

8.i.  The  Fourth  of  .Inly.              -              .0             -            -  198 

t<6.  Ode  f-.r  the  Fourth  of  .fuly.             -              -             -             -  200 

An  .Vbridfifment  of  Eugli,,li  iJratnmar.                -            -          -  201 

Of  Articles.          -            -            -             -            -            -         -  201 

Of  Nouns.             .....             -          -  202 

Of  Adjectives.             ...            -              -            -  205 

1  Of  Pronouns.             ....               .             .  207 

or  Verbs.           -            -              ....              -  208 

Of  t^aMiripIi-s.             -                           -              -             -             -  212 

Of  .Vdvci  !).<;.             -               ....  213 

Of  Prepositions.              -                           ....  216 

Of  Conjunctions  and  luterjeriioiis.                               f             -  215 

Exerciics^ in  false  tlrfimmar.                                      -             -  233 


Livji>.iajM  .>» 


•*<i 


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